Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas in hospital for 'routine checkup'

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Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has been taken to hospital for a routine check-up amid ongoing uncertainties over leadership.

He will be discharged in a matter of hours, his spokesman said.

Nabil Abu Rudeineh said the 82-year-old leader is undergoing regular examinations at a hospital in Ramallah.

Mr Abbas, a smoker, has suffered heart problems in the past, but his doctors have said he is fine.

A year ago, he underwent an emergency heart procedure after suffering exhaustion and chest pains. Last month, he dispelled rumours that he had suffered a stroke.

Any health scare for Mr Abbas heightens concerns of an uncertain leadership situation in the Palestinian territories – which are divided between two rival governments and where there is no succession plan for the ageing leader.

Mr Abbas has no plans to step down or to designate a successor.

Reporting by Press Association

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