RAMALLAH, Nov. 11 (Xinhuanet) -- A 40-day general mourning was declared Thursday in the Palestinian territories for the death of leader Yasser Arafat.

    Flags were flown at half mask at Palestinian institutions in the West Bank and Gaza.

    Government institutions, shops and schools were closed, while dozens of militants opened gunfire in the air.

    Many Palestinians were seen crying for the great loss.

    Tayeb Abdel Rahim, chief of Arafat's office in the West Bank city of Ramallah announced the death.

    "Yasser Arafat, the leader of our revolution, planted the seeds of love among his people. This great love is giving us the strength to say to him farewell as he is leaving," Abdel Rahim said.

    He said that the Palestinians would follow him.

    "You and your great history will be the light that would lighten the road for your people to continue your road that you had chosen." Enditem