Prefer Jewish News on Google
Mahmoud Abbas heart test results are ‘normal’
The Palestinian president was taken to hospital after feeling unwell in his Ramallah office
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has undergone heart tests after being rushed to hospital suffering from chest pains and exhaustion.
Dr Mohammed Al-Batrawi, a heart specialist who treated the 81-year-old, said he went through a number of routine tests, including a cardiac catheterisation – a procedure in which a tube is inserted into a blood vessel leading to the heart.
He said Mr Abbas‘s arteries looked healthy and the test results were normal.
A Palestinian official close to the 81-year-old said the leader, who has a history of health issues, was taken to hospital after feeling unwell at his Ramallah office.
The health scare drew attention to the chaotic leadership situation in the Palestinian territories – which have no succession plan for the ageing leader and are torn between two rival governments.
Mr Abbas was elected president in 2005 for what was supposed to be a four-year term. But in 2007 the rival Hamas militant group seized control of the Gaza Strip, and MrAbbas has remained in power since then.
The Palestinians are now divided between two governments, Mr Abbas‘s Palestinian Authority in the West Bank and the Hamas government in Gaza. Attempts at reconciliation have repeatedly failed, and this week the Palestinians called off plans to hold municipal elections in the two territories.
Mr Abbas, who is a heavy smoker and overweight, was treated years ago for prostate cancer and has had a stent inserted to treat artery blockage.
Keep community journalism free.
Jewish News is free for everyone. No paywall. No barriers. Just trusted journalism for anyone who wants to stay connected to Jewish life in Britain.
If you value that, please support us.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Every day, we report on the issues that matter to our community. We celebrate achievements, support charities, challenge antisemitism and ensure Jewish voices are heard more widely.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help us continue to:
- Report on the stories shaping Jewish life in the UK and beyond
- Bring our community together through shared stories, events and campaigns
- Celebrate the people, culture and moments that define our community
- Support organisations doing vital work across Jewish Britain
You can make a one-off donation or become a regular supporter. Every contribution helps keep our journalism free, independent and accessible to all.
If everyone who values Jewish News gave a small amount, it would make a real difference to our future.
