Leaders of the Fatah party, headed by Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas, waited for U.S. Vice President Joe Biden to leave the region four days ago and then honored the terrorist who carried out the massacre on the Coast Road in 1978.

They arranged a day of study on Sunday in praise of Dalal Mughrabi, who murdered 37 people in the bus-hijacking massacre before she was finally killed.

Fatah leaders last week quietly named a Ramallah square after Mughrabi despite earlier statements by the Palestinian Authority that it would postpone the ceremony, which was scheduled at the same time Biden was in the country. The PA originally announced a delay due to “technical reasons” but then recognized the new name after Fatah activists arrived at the square and carried out a ceremony.

A poster at the scene proclaimed, "On the anniversary of the Coastal Road Operation we renew our commitment and our oath that we uphold the charge and that we will not stray from the path of the Shahids - Shahida (Martyr) Dalal Mughrabi Square, Shabiba students' movement.”

Fatah spokesman Dr. Faiz Abu Aytah called Mughrabi "a symbol in the history of our national struggle" and emphasized "the right of Fatah, of the Palestinian Authority, and of the Palestinian people to celebrate the anniversary of her martyrdom."

The PA has committed to halt violence and incitement against Israel.