The maker of the distinctive keffiyeh head scarf worn by Yasser Arafat is mourning the Palestinian leader’s passing.

“He was the only one still wearing them,” the Gaza tailor said.

Officials organising Arafat’s funeral have confirmed Elton John will reprise his famous tune Candle in the Wind.

Elton says his humorous Mother Teresa version mentioning “sandals” will provide inspiration.

Meanwhile, the celestial virgins have expressed relief that Arafat didn’t die a martyr.

And Lord Mayor Campbell Newman has declared Arafat won’t be buried in Brisbane. But Prime Minister John Howard has offered a plot at Woomera.