Physicians specialising in the treatment of leukaemia are today examining ailing Palestinian leader Mr Yasser Arafat today to determine whether he suffers from the blood disorder.
And for the first time, a Palestinian official today said it is likely the chairman of the Palestinian Authority is suffering from leukaemia.
Mr Arafat ( 75) has been sick for the past two weeks and blood tests have shown he has a low platelet count - a symptom of leukaemia or other cancers.
The charismatic leader received a transfusion of platelets shortly after being taken to France for treatment at the Hopital d'Instruction des Armees de Percy yesterday.
A Palestinian official at the military hospital which specialises in blood disorders today said a team of French specialisits had already examined the Palestinian leader.
"They are trying to find out if in fact it is leukaemia, and if so, what type. They are trying to see what is the best way to treat it."
"[But] it looks like it's leukaemia," a Palestinian official who declined to be named said. Mr Arafat could remain in France for four to five weeks, he added.
A contingent of about 18 Palestinian officials flew in with Mr Arafat yesterday.
AP