Palestinian President Abbas remains in hospital for lung infection

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas remains in hospital a week after falling ill following an operation on his ear, the director of the Ramallah hospital said.

Saeed Sarahneh, director of the Istishari Hospital, said Abbas was suffering from a lung infection and was "rapidly improving."

There is currently no discharge date for the Palestinian leader, he said.

The 83-year-old has had numerous health complications. He was taken to hospital last week for what was described as a post-surgery check-up. However, later statements said Abbas had fallen ill.

There is no clear successor to Abbas who was elected to a four-year term as president of the Palestinian Authority government in 2005.

Since the expiration of his term, Abbas has continued his rule in the absence of Palestinian national elections.