Ever since Israeli PM Ariel Sharon's statement that Yasser Arafat as a terrorist leader is not immune from Israeli retribution, Palestinian Authority TV has repeatedly stated that Arafat actually wants to be killed by Israel, which would grant him the status of Shahid (Holy Martyr). In last week's sermon, the Imam restated the Palestinian Islamic belief that death as a Shahid is preferable to life, going so far as to pray for Arafat's death as a Shahid.

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The following is text of the sermon:
“Regarding the threats of this Nazi mass murderer [Ariel Sharon] against President Arafat, we hereby tell him: We are not like you, because we do not desire life. If you threaten to kill President Arafat, we will pray to Allah: “Grant the President Shahada (Martyrdom) for you." Yes, we do not pray - like other preachers pray - for longevity for the rulers; here in Palestine we pray: “Lord, grant the President Shahada for you”.” [PA TV Sermon by Ibrahim Madiras, April 30, 2004]