Fatah insulted by Khamenei's saying Arafat abandoned resistance

During Hamas Gaza leader Ismail Haniyeh's visit to Iran, he met with the Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iranian state television quoted Khamenei as saying to Haniyeh that Hamas must continue its resistance against Israel, pointing out that the late Palestinian leader "Yasser Arafat lost his popularity because he distanced himself from the resistance."

The Iranian leader added that Iran "always stands to the side of the Palestinian resistance."

Fatah is not happy with this characterization of their founder.

Ahmed Assaf, Fatah spokesman, lashed out at Khamenei. He said, The status of the martyr leader Yasser Arafat is immortalized in the consciences of the Palestinian people and Arab and Islamic nations and the free world, and does not require the false testimony of Khamenei of Iran."

Assaf added, "The Israeli occupation assassinated the commander of the Palestinian people because of his steadfastness on the rights of our people and adherence to legitimate resistance to occupation and settlement, so he became a martyr after a siege in his headquarters in the home for three years. "

Assaf continued, "We deplore the Haniyeh's consistent abuse of the history of the Palestinian people in exchange for for a bunch of money," calling on Iran to stop interfering in Palestinian and Arabic affairs.

(h/t Eliyahud)