Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas remained Saturday in hospital for the seventh day in a row, yet he met China's Special Envoy to the Middle East Gong Xiaosheng, who came to check on his health and discuss with him the peace process.
Abbas's stay has raised fears concerning his health after officials initially announced he would not stay for more than two to three days.
Concerns over Abbas's health condition are further aggravated by his age, 83, and also because his health has been deteriorating as this is the third time he has been admitted to the hospital in just one week.
He was hospitalized last week with a fever, just days after undergoing ear surgery. Palestinian officials said he was suffering from pneumonia and was on a respirator, receiving antibiotics intravenously. However, he was taken back to hospital on Friday then returned last Sunday and stayed there.
Despite the concern about Abbas's health, there does not seem to be any threat on his life. Abbas had previously appeared walking in one of the corridors of the hospital.
On Sunday, his doctor, Yasser Abu Safiyeh said that Abbas would stay for another day.
Meanwhile, the PA President received Xiaosheng, who conveyed the greetings of Chinese President Xi Jinping, wishing him good health and aspiration to receive Abbas soon in China.
The Chinese envoy stressed his country's support for the Palestinian people and their legitimate rights in accordance with international law and legitimacy.
Abbas thanked the Chinese envoy for this gesture and wished the Chinese people and leadership progress and prosperity.
He stressed the appreciation and confidence in China's permanent and steadfast position in supporting the Palestinian cause in all forums in order to achieve the legitimate rights of the Palestinians.
This was the first time that Abbas has received foreign officials in hospital, but he is well-informed of any policy updates, according to informed sources.
He appeared to be in good health during his reception of the Chinese guest.
Moreover, he received during his stay in the hospital calls from many leaders and met with Palestinian officials, including officials from Fatah, the presidency and the government.
Majdi al-Khalidi, Abbas’ adviser for diplomatic affairs, said that the Chinese official’s visit was a token of support by China for the people of Palestine following the US relocation of its embassy to Jerusalem and recognition of the city as Israel’s capital.
“We hope that it [China’s role] will grow and be more effective, especially since there is an opportunity to form a multilateral international mechanism for [peace] negotiations according to the plan proposed by President Mahmoud Abbas in the UN Security Council, which could be formed by the five permanent members of the Security Council,” Khalidi said.
