PALESTINIANS yesterday followed reports on Ariel Sharon’s condition with a mix of apprehension and glee, while some officials said they feared the dramatic events would derail January 25 parliament elections in the West Bank and Gaza.

Palestinian leaders anxiously followed reports on Ariel Sharon’s deteriorating health tonight, fearing the prime minister’s departure from the political scene could worsen turmoil in the West Bank and Gaza and perhaps even derail this month’s elections there.

One month before Palestinians head to the polls to choose a new parliament, a poll released today indicated the militant group Hamas would earn the greatest number of seats.