Palestinian leaders summoned to Arafat headquarters

11.00am

RAMALLAH - Aides to President Yasser Arafat have summoned the entire Palestinian leadership to his headquarters in the West Bank city of Ramallah on Wednesday after he was said to be "very sick", Palestinian officials said.

Officials said that lower level Palestinian leaders were also convening meetings in other West Bank towns and cities to discuss the situation.

Israel has agreed to let Arafat go to a hospital in the West Bank city of Ramallah if necessary and allow Jordanian doctors to come and examine him, Israel Radio reported on Wednesday.

The radio said Defence Minister Shaul Mofaz had renewed permission offered earlier this week for the 75-year-old Arafat to go to hospital in Ramallah.

- REUTERS