Israeli army raids W. Bank school on Arafat anniversary

By Qays Abu Samra

HEBRON, Palestine (AA) – Israeli military forces raided a Palestinian school in the West Bank city of Hebron on Sunday during a rally marking the 14th anniversary of iconic leader Yasser Arafat’s demise.

“Dozens of students and teachers suffered temporary asphyxiation from teargas canisters fired by Israeli forces during the raid,” school principal Tarek bin Ziyad told Anadolu Agency.

It remains unclear why the Israeli forces raided the school.

“Assaults on schools and students by Israeli forces and settlers are on the rise,” Sadeq al-Khadour, a spokesman for the Palestinian Education Ministry, said.

He said several Palestinian schools across the West Bank have been attacked by Israeli forces in recent weeks.

There was no comment from the Israeli army on the report.

Palestinians are organizing several activities in the West Bank and Gaza Strip on Sunday to mark the anniversary of Arafat’s death.

On Nov. 11, 2004, Arafat died in France -- under highly suspicious circumstances -- at the age of 75. Until now, doctors have been unable to determine the exact cause of his death.

Palestinians accuse Israel of poisoning Arafat, a claim denied by Tel Aviv.