Late Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat's coffin was flown back to his battered compound in the West Bank city of Ramallah at 2:15 p.m. (1215 GMT) Friday.

At least 5,000 Palestinians have burst into the compound to await the return of their beloved leader's body.

Emotions soared when two helicopters landed within the compound, raising thick yellow sand and dust.

Hundreds of people then encircled the two helicopters. Security guards fired in the air, trying to keep the situation under control. Human walls were formed to ward off the emotional crowd.

Chief Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat erupted from one helicopter, pleading the crowd to move back.

After a 25-minute standoff, Arafat's coffin was carried out of the helicopter onto a car.

The crowd then pushed their way to touch the coffin.

"With blood and soul, we will redeem you, Arafat," the mourners shouted.

Arafat, 75, passed away at 3:30 a.m. (0230 GMT) Thursday at a French military hospital outside Paris after failing a battle for life for two weeks.

Arafat, who led the Palestinians for four decades, promised to return to Ramallah when he left here for Paris on Oct. 29.