Arafat's Remains To Be Exhumed Early Next Week

Yasser Arafat died after suddenly falling ill in 2004

The remains of former Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat will be exhumed on November 27 to enable foreign experts to take samples as part of a probe into his death.

Palestinian official Tawfiq Tirawi says Arafat's tomb will be opened on November 27 and Swiss, French, and Russian experts will take samples within a few hours.

Tirawi, who heads the committee investigating the Palestinian leader's death, says a reburial ceremony will be held later the same day.

Arafat died in November 2004, a month after suddenly falling ill.

Palestinian officials have insisted he was poisoned by Israel.

Israel has denied the allegations.

The detection of traces of a lethal radioactive substance in biological stains on Arafat's clothing earlier this year sparked a new investigation.

Based on reporting by AFP and AP