Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat in Israeli hospital with COVID-19

Al-Monitor Staff

This picture taken on October 19, 2020 shows a view of the entrance of the shock and trauma unit at the emergency medicine centre of Israeli Hadassah University Hospital Ein Kerem in Jerusalem. - Long-time chief Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat was in "critical" condition and in a medically induced coma, said the Hadassah hospital in Jerusalem treating him for coronavirus complications. (Photo by AHMAD GHARABLI / AFP) (Photo by AHMAD GHARABLI/AFP via Getty Images) — This picture taken on Oct. 19, 2020, shows a view of the entrance of the shock and trauma unit at the emergency medical center of Israeli Hadassah University Hospital Ein Kerem in Jerusalem. Long-time chief Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat was in critical condition and in a medically induced coma, said the Hadassah hospital in Jerusalem, which is treating him for coronavirus complications. — AHMAD GHARABLI/AFP via Getty Images

Palestinian politician Saeb Erekat’s condition is reportedly worsening as he remains hospitalized with COVID-19.

Erekat, the longtime Palestinian chief negotiator, contracted the coronavirus on Oct. 8. He was rushed to a hospital in Israel from his home in the Palestinian territory the West Bank on Sunday. On Monday, he was placed on a ventilator, Reuters reported.

Erekat has served for many years as the chief negotiator for the Palestinian Authority (PA), which administers parts of the West Bank. He is also secretary-general of the main organization in the PA — the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO).

His family has tried to remain positive about his condition. Daughter and professor Dalal Iriqat professed confidence in his medical team, the Palestinian news outlet Maan reported on Monday.

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Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat in Israeli hospital with COVID-19

The veteran Palestinian official's condition worsened on Monday, and he was placed on a ventilator.

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