By Prensa Latina
Ramallah : The residence of late Palestinian President Yasser Arafat was the target of vandalism after Hamas took control of Gaza.
The home has great symbolic value to many Palestinians.
The robbery occurred Saturday amid the confusion generated after the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) took control of the Gaza strip.
Members of the armed branch of the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas), the Ezzedin Al Qassam Brigade, occupied the roof of Arafat's former residence from where they prevented people from coming near the building.
A witness said the assailants stole personal items of the late leader and some furniture, then set the house on fire.
Yasser Arafat was founder of Al Fatah nationalist movement in 1959 and headed the Palestinian Liberation Organization.
He died November 2004 aged 75, after medical complications at a clinic in France.
Arafat's former residence was closed after being vandalised, but remains guarded.