Yasser Arafat's Wife Refuses to Attend Signing of Peace Agreement with Israel

Strategic Insights -

Yasser Arafat's wife, Suha Arafat, refused to attend the signing of the peace agreement with Israel on Wednesday, citing the plight of 500 Palestinian women still in Israeli jails. In an interview with Tunisia's Essabah newspaper, Suha Arafat expressed her disappointment and frustration at the slow pace of releasing Palestinian prisoners. She stated that she would not shake hands with Yitzhak Rabin's wife until all 500 Palestinian women are released from prison.

Key Takeaways:

  • Suha Arafat, wife of PLO leader Yasser Arafat, refused to attend the signing of the peace agreement with Israel due to the presence of 500 Palestinian women still in Israeli jails.
  • Suha Arafat expressed her disappointment and frustration at the slow pace of releasing Palestinian prisoners, stating that she would not shake hands with Yitzhak Rabin's wife until all 500 Palestinian women are released.
  • The PLO chairman, Yasser Arafat, showed some reluctance before signing the agreement, initially refusing to sign a folder of documents relating to the size of the West Bank town of Jericho.
  • The peace agreement was finally signed after a brief recess, with Yasser Arafat inking the agreement.
  • This event highlights the ongoing tensions and challenges in the peace process between Israel and the Palestinians.
  • Suha Arafat's decision not to attend the signing ceremony was seen as a protest against the Israeli government's treatment of Palestinian prisoners.

Statistics:

  • 500: The number of Palestinian women still in Israeli jails, mentioned by Suha Arafat as a reason for her not attending the signing ceremony.
  • 1: The number of times Yasser Arafat refused to sign the folder of documents relating to the size of the West Bank town of Jericho.
  • 2: The number of reasons cited by Suha Arafat for not attending the signing ceremony, including the plight of 500 Palestinian women in Israeli jails and the slow pace of releasing Palestinian prisoners.

Sources:

  • Essabah newspaper
  • Interview with Suha Arafat, Yasser Arafat's wife