Palestinians apprehensive

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.

Despite his pull-out from Gaza last year, Mr Sharon is still widely reviled in the Arab world for his tough actions against Palestinians.

Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas said he is following Mr Sharon’s health crisis “with great worry” but said it would not derail Palestinian balloting.