Saeb Erekat
Saeb ErekatFlash 90

The condition of senior Palestinian Authority official Saeb Erekat, 65, who is ill with coronavirus, has deteriorated in recent hours.

The Palestinian Authority has submitted a request to Israel to transfer him for examination from Jericho to urgent care at Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital in Israeli territory. Israel complied with the request and will try to save his life.

Erekat is in a high risk group after having previously contracted pulmonary fibrosis and even underwent a lung transplant in the United States in 2017.

In November 2010, Erekat wrote a letter of praise to Ahmad Saadat, the planner of the murder of Minister Rehavam Zeevi, for whom a state memorial service will be held on Tuesday.

"I am writing to you my dear brother to express the most courageous feelings of solidarity and fraternity ... The occupation is pursuing a policy of defeat and humiliation towards you (the prisoners) through the abolition of your achievements. You have exhibited a great stand which has become a legend in which many shahids have fallen.”

After praising Saadat, Erekat wrote to him "Our beloved, the darkness of the prison will come to an end. We believe we will meet soon and celebrate the victory and the liberation and freedom, for all the prisoners."

In December 2015, he paid a condolence visit to the family of a terrorist who carried out a shooting attack against IDF forces and belonged to Palestinian Authority intelligence.