Arafat's 'ill health' causes alarm
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Jerusalem - Speculation intensified last night about the health of Yasser Arafat, chairman of the Palestine Liberation Organisation, when reports from Tunis suggested that he was seriously ill, and about to be transferred to hospital in Amman, Jordan, writes Sarah Helm.
The news spread alarm as it came just two weeks before Mr Arafat is expected to arrive in the new Palestinian enclave of Jericho. He is to take charge of the Palestinian National Authority, which is to oversee self-rule. However, senior Palestinians in the West Bank, who were in contact last night with Mr Arafat's aides, said the reports had been exaggerated and Mr Arafat's ailment was not serious.
'I have been told it is nothing serious,' said Hanan Ashrawi, the former Palestinian spokeswoman, who had spoken to colleagues in Amman and Tunis. 'Mr Arafat is suffering from flu following an angina problem. He is fine. There is nothing to worry about.'
The PLO, which has its headquarters in Tunis, said in a statement that its chairman had rested 'for some hours' after catching a cold. The statement was signed by Hakam Balawi, the PLO ambassador to Tunis and a member of the mainstream Fatah central committee.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments