Traffic accident claims life of Palestinian statesman Qadri Abu Bakr

The Chairman of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO)'s Detainees and Ex-Detainees Commission Qadri Abu Bakr died Saturday in a traffic accident in Salfit.

At least two other people also died as a result of the accident, as announced by the official spokesperson for the police.

Minister of Health Mai Alkaila extended her condolences to his family and friends, commending his bravery as a freedom fighter.

President Mahmoud Abbas also extended his condolences to Abu Bakr's loved ones, describing him as "a strong freedom fighter who has spent his life defending Palestine, its cause, its people, and its independent national decision."

"Abu Bakr has stood at the forefront, defending the causes of his country and his people in all areas of national action and struggle, and in the international arena, since the early times of the [Palestinian] national movement," added Abbas.