Ailing Palestinian leader Abbas admitted to hospital again

Abbas is in the hospital again, supposedly to undergo a minor surgery.  

By: World Israel News Staff and AP

Palestinian Authority (PA) President Mahmoud Abbas was admitted to the Istishari Hospital in Ramallah on Tuesday.

The official WAFA news agency reported that Abbas, 83, has undergone “a minor surgery in the middle ear,” and that he will be released from the hospital in a few hours.

Abbas’ ailing health has long been a source of speculation.

In February, he underwent what his aides called “routine checkups” in a US hospital. Despite his aides claiming that the results were “positive and reassuring,” other sources have indicated that his health has suffered a “major setback” in recent weeks.

There have been leaks from medical officials that Abbas is suffering from gastric cancer.

Abbas, a heavy smoker, has a long history of health issues, ranging from heart troubles to a bout with prostate cancer a decade ago. Last summer, he underwent a health checkup at a Ramallah hospital and separately dispelled rumors he had suffered a stroke.

In his speech to Fatah officials in Ramallah in March, Abbas said that this might be his “last session” with them. “No one can guarantee his life,” Abbas, observed, in an apparent reference to his health.

Abbas’ recent health scares have revived anxiety about the battle over who will succeed the Palestinian leader.