To get back to the point of the thread and to avoid outraging any more sensitive souls, Mick's right - Hamas, for most Palestinians, has far more validity than Arafat.
The Palestinian state that Arafat nominally heads is just about bankrupt, whereas Hamas (thanks to the bankrolling of 'our', erm, staunch allies the Saudis) is able to operate as a de facto welfare department for most people. Thus Arafat has become a busted flush, with little or no authority in his own land.
Nevertheless, I do wonder how Sharon can on the one hand hold Arafat personally responsible for all acts of terrorism against Israel, and on the other hand declare him irrelevant.
Whatever; the disingenuous tripe posted or cut and pasted by the anonymous guest above does little to help understanding of the issue. I'd guess s/he's not a big fan of Shimon Peres.