Jerusalem: Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon today (Oct 31, 2004) said the supreme Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat, who is undergoing treatment in a Paris hospital for a "mystery" blood disease, will not be allowed to be buried in Jerusalem if he dies.

As the Palestinian father figure is battling for his life in hospital, Sharon said Arafat would be allowed to return to his Ramallah headquarters, but asserted he will block requests by Palestinian authorities to bury their leader in Jerusalem.

"Israel had made a commitment to allow Arafat to return to the territories," he said brushing aside a suggestion by Agriculture Minister Yisreal Katz during a cabinet meeting.

About the iconic leader's burial, he said, "So long as I am Prime Minister, Arafat will not be buried in Jerusalem."

The issue can lead to major showdown with Wakf officials, who oversee the holy Muslim sites on the Temple Mount, rejecting Israel's right to decide Arafat's final resting place last week.

"Nobody will tell us where to bury him and the final decision lies in the hands of the Palestinian people," Wakf director, Adnan Husseini had said soon after the Palestinian veteran's health went on the downslide.

Israel and the US have shunned the Palestinian leader as a partner in peace accusing him of fomenting violence and harbouring terrorists.