Reports: Palestinian president hospitalized with fever

JERUSALEM — President Mahmoud Abbas was hospitalized with fever Sunday just days after undergoing surgery on his ear, an official said.

The 83-year-old Abbas has endured a series of recent health scares which have revived anxiety over who will succeed him.

There were conflicting reports about his condition.

A senior Abbas aide, speaking on condition of anonymity in line with protocol, said the Palestinian leader was diagnosed with a fever on Sunday. Abbas had an ear operation last week, and returned to the hospital late Saturday for a follow-up. The Palestinian state news agency quoted the hospital director as saying tests results are “good” without providing further details.

However, Israel media, quoting unnamed Palestinian sources, said he was suffering from a chest infection.

Abbas, who is a heavy smoker and overweight, has a long history of health issues, ranging from heart trouble to a bout with prostate cancer a decade ago. Two years ago, he underwent an emergency heart procedure after suffering exhaustion and chest pains. He suffers from arterial plaque and has had stents implanted.

Abbas took over as a caretaker leader following the death of Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat in 2004, and was elected for what was supposed to be a five-year term the following year. He has remained in firm control since then, refusing to designate a successor while a political split with rival Hamas prevented new elections.

Palestinians have been split since the Islamic militant group seized Gaza in 2007 after winning legislative elections a year earlier, ousting forces of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas who now governs just parts of the West Bank.

Repeated attempts at reconciliation have failed.

Copyright 2018 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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