Arafat Returns to Gaza After 27 Years in Exile
PLO Chairman makes triumphant return to Palestinian soil as thousands celebrate the symbolic homecoming to lead Palestinian Authority.
Yasser Arafat crossed into the Gaza Strip today, ending 27 years of exile and fulfilling a lifelong dream of returning to Palestinian soil. The PLO Chairman’s arrival marks a historic milestone in the implementation of the Oslo Accords.
Thousands of Palestinians lined the streets of Gaza City, waving Palestinian flags and portraits of Arafat as his motorcade made its way from the Rafah border crossing. Many wept openly as the leader they had only seen on posters finally arrived to lead the nascent Palestinian Authority.
“I am returning to the first liberated Palestinian land,” Arafat declared to the cheering crowds. “This is the beginning of our march to Jerusalem, where we will pray together - Muslims, Christians, and Jews.”
The 64-year-old leader’s return comes six weeks after Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza and Jericho under the autonomy agreement. He faces enormous challenges: establishing governing institutions, rebuilding a shattered economy, and containing opposition from Hamas and other groups that reject the peace process.
Israeli officials watched nervously as Arafat arrived with a larger entourage than agreed, including men Israel considers terrorists. The dispute over who could accompany Arafat nearly derailed his return at the last moment.
For ordinary Palestinians, Arafat’s arrival represents hope after decades of occupation, though many worry whether the limited autonomy achieved will lead to genuine independence. The emotional scenes today underscore both the historic nature of this moment and the weight of expectations on Arafat’s shoulders.