'Arafat has liver failure'
2004-11-07 15:13
London - Sky News reports that Palestinian President Yasser Arafat has liver failure and his condition is not improving.
According to officials he may be moved from Paris to Cairo but any decision will have to be taken by the Palestinian leadership.
An unnamed official said a low count of platelets, which help the blood clot, meant blood transfusions were proving difficult.
Doctors at the Percy military hospital have ruled out leukaemia but are puzzled by the sudden deterioration in Arafat's health.
The 75-year-old was taken to a military hospital from the West Bank on October 29.
His exact condition is not clear. Reports that he is in a coma have been strongly denied.
The Israeli authorities, meanwhile, have completed preparations for Mr Arafat to be buried in the Gaza Strip.
It says Palestinians in the West Bank will be allowed to cross Israel for the funeral.
Arafat has let it be known he wants to be buried in Jerusalem but Israel is refusing.
It fears it would strengthen Palestinian claims to the traditionally Arab sector of the city as a future capital.
- News24