Palestinians Mourn the Death of Rachel

*Rafah: . When Martyrs are rapped with the American Flag* Mohammad
al-Baba (Al-Ayam daily newspaper)

Instead of burning the American flag, this time the Palestinians used it
to rap the 'Shaheeda' (martyr) Rachel Corrie in Abu Youssif al-Najar
hospital in Rafah. In a symbolic funeral, her symbolic coffin was
carried by Palestinians along with the coffin of Ahmad al-Najar, which
took off yesterday noon from Al-Awda Mosque in Rafah.

Nasser al-Hanafi (35 years old), one of those in charge of popular
activities, in support of the international solidarity delegation and in
condemnation of the Israeli crime committed against Corrie said the
American flag represents the state and the people, pointing out that the
Palestinian people are not against the American people, and Corrie is an
American who sacrificed her life in defense of the rights of the
Palestinian people.

Al-Hanafi considered rapping the body of Corrie with the American flag a
symbolic message to the American people concerning their position
vis-à-vis the Palestinian cause, and their citizen Corrie, who was
murdered in cold blood under the claws of the Israeli American-made
bulldozer.

Hundreds took part in the symbolic funeral and carried signs in both
English and Arabic, calling for the protection of the Palestinian people
and an end to the double-standard policy practiced against them.

The residents of Rafah opened a house of condolences for Rachel Corrie
in the center of the city, while national and Islamic factions, NGOs and
popular institutions released various statements condemning the ugly
crime and praising the heroism of members of the International
Solidarity Movement, their positions and actions, and the role Rachel
played in defending Palestinian homes in Rafah.

The Popular Committee for Rafah refugees released a poster of Rachel
Corrie and distributed it throughout the Gaza Strip.

Head of the committee, Ziad al-Sarafandi said that Rachel gave herself
to the Palestinian cause, in defense of freedom and independence and a
just peace.

Dozens of children carried Rachel's symbolic coffin with sadness clear
in their eyes. Haitham Aqel said, "How can I not be sad when she joined
us in our condemnation of the American President Bush for his crimes
against children."

He added, "She described the president of her state as a war criminal,
and called for putting him in front of the international trial, so how
can we not take part on her funeral today, and say farewell to her in
all pride."

Following the funeral, a press conference was held in Rafah
Municipality, in the presence of the Mayor Majid al-Agha and Rachel's
friends who lived the moments of her death, and witnessed the Israeli
army burying her and crushing her.

Al-Agha said that Rachel is a screaming symbol of humanity, a real
activist for peace and human rights. He said that the sand of Rafah and
its homes will always remember her after her blood was mixed with its
sand grains.

He pointed out that Rachel and her colleagues managed to limit the
repeated raids and attacks by the Israeli army against the Palestinians.

Dr. Ali Mousa. Genera Director of al-Najar Hospital, in a medical report
confirmed that Rachel was killed in cold blood after her bones were
crushed and she was buried in the sand.

Colleagues of Rachel's, Jose and Richard, gave their testimony for the
second time in front of the residents, stressing that the soldiers of
the Israeli bulldozers and tanks saw Rachel with their own eyes, and
could have easily avoided her but they ran her over and buried her and
did not offer her any assistance.

The women of Rafah also attended the press conference. Fatima al-Khatib,
head of the General Union for Palestinian Women said that Palestinian
women took part in the event to express their solidarity, gratitude and
pride in their sister Rachel Corrie.

She said, "She was faster than Arab women in giving the most precious
thing she has, "herself", in defense of Palestinian rights."