"The departure of the brother and the friend, the great fighter Saeb Erekat, represents a big loss for Palestine and for our people," Abbas' office in Ramallah in the occupied West Bank said in a statement."We feel deep sorrow for losing him, especially at such difficult times the Palestinian cause is living through."Erekat, 65, the secretary general of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), confirmed on Oct. 8 that he had contracted the coronavirus. Three years earlier he had undergone a lung transplant in the United States that left his immune system compromised.Erekat's family said he "transitioned peacefully" in hospital on Tuesday. "Saeb lived a life full of thought, love, forgiveness and peace, and he will be dearly missed," they said in a statement."Saeb has shown an extraordinary patience and resilience, with the same determination that has characterized his career to achieve freedom for Palestine and a just and lasting peace in our region."
Palestinians declare three days of mourning for Saeb Erekat
"The departure of the brother and the friend, the great fighter Saeb Erekat, represents a big loss for Palestine and for our people," said Abbas.
