The Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat died Thursday, November 11, 2004 at 3:30 a.m. in a military hospital outside Paris, France. Arafat was struggling for life during his last days, and witnessed dramatic deterioration in his health.

"Yasser Arafat, president of the Palestinian Authority, died at the military hospital Percy, Clamart on November 11, 2004, at 3.30 (2130 EST)," Christian Estripeau, chief doctor and hospital spokesman, said in the Paris suburb of Clamart.

The 75-year-old Palestinian leader flew to France earlier this month, to get the needed medical treatment at a French Army teaching hospital southwest of Paris, specialized in blood disorders and trauma care.

At first, low blood platelet count raised fears of leukemia, but doctors have ruled out all forms of cancer.

The announcement of the death of the 75-year-old Palestinian leader, the symbol of the Palestinian struggle against the Israeli occupation, ended days of conflicting reports over his condition and whether he was alive of dead.

Last Tuesday, a Palestinian senior aide said that President Arafat was suffering from a brain hemorrhage.

Tayeb Abdel Rahim told reporters in Ramallah that the Palestinian leader started bleeding on Monday night and is now in a critical health condition in Paris military hospital, where he is getting treated.

Arafat’s body will be flown to Cairo, Egypt where an official ceremony will be held on Friday. Then he will be taken to the West Bank city of Ramallah for burial at his headquarters on Saturday, Palestinian officials said.

According to the Palestinian law, Arafat will be replaced as caretaker president of the Palestinian Authority by parliamentary speaker Rawhi Fattouh, who must organize elections within 60 days.

40-day mourning period

Tens of thousands of Palestinians rallied in Gaza Strip in a spontaneous show of grief. Dozens of gunmen fired into the air, and marchers waved Palestinian flags.

Palestinian authority declared a 40-day mourning period in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, and mosques’s loudspeakers blared verses from the Holy Quran.

"He closed his eyes and his big heart stopped. He left for God but he is still among this great people," said senior Arafat aide Tayeb Abdel Rahim, who broke into tears as he announced Arafat's death.

Shortly after the announcement of Arafat's death, the Israel authorities sealed off the West Bank and Gaza Strip and stepped up security at Jewish settlements, fearing widespread Palestinian riots during the coming days.

"The Israeli Defense Forces are deploying to allow a dignified funeral ceremony for chairman Arafat," an army statement said.

Prime Minister Ahmed Qureia is expected remain in charge of day-to-day governing, while Mahmoud Abbas, the former prime minister, will handle the running the Palestine Liberation Organization.

On the other hand, U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan said that the news of Arafat’s death has saddened him.

"President Arafat was one of those few leaders who could be instantly recognized by people in any walk of life all around the world. For nearly four decades, he expressed and symbolized in his person the national aspirations of the Palestinian people."

British Prime Minister Tony Blair sent his condolences to the Palestinian people.

"President Arafat came to symbolize the Palestinian national movement. ... (and) led his people to an historic acceptance and the need for a two-state solution," Blair said.

Arafat died after 40-year quest for a state unachieved, Israel tightening its grip on the occupied Palestinian territories, and no peace talks under way.

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