Military

Yasser Arafat is reported in serious but stable condition after collapsing and briefly losing consciousness. Doctors from abroad have been summoned to treat the Palestinian leader.

The 75-year-old Palestinian leader fell ill while eating. One aide said Mr. Arafat had briefly lost consciousness, but added that his condition had stabilized and that he had been able to perform morning prayers and had chatted with close associates.

Arafat spokesman Nabil Abu Rdeineh described his condition.

"He is conscious," said Nabil Abu Rdeineh. "He is well but he is in need of some rest. His situation as I said is stable and we are in need of some days to recover back."

Palestinian officials rushed to Mr. Arafat's side Wednesday night when they learned of his worsening condition. His wife Suha, who lives in Paris, also flew to be with him. The two have not seen each other since 2001. Mr. Arafat has been holed up in his sandbagged Ramallah compound for more than two years, at times surrounded by Israeli troops and unable to leave.

Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon spoke by telephone with his Palestinian counterpart Ahmed Qureia and agreed to allow Mr. Arafat to be flown abroad for medical treatment if needed.

It is not certain that the Palestinian leader would be allowed to return. In the past Israel has said he was free to leave the West Bank but that he might not be allowed back.

Mr. Arafat has been ill for the past two weeks. Palestinian officials said he has the flue while Israelis have speculated that he is suffering from stomach cancer. Two of Mr. Arafat's doctors said that tests conducted this week found no signs of cancer.

Both Israeli and Palestinian media have focused intensely on the situation following news of his collapse Wednesday night. Israeli radio talk shows have been discussing likely scenarios should Mr. Arafat die. Israeli defense officials met Thursday to discuss contingency plans including how to deal with possible riots and how to prevent any Palestinian attempt to bury Mr. Arafat in Jerusalem.

Yasser Arafat shared the Nobel Peace Price with the late Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin and former prime minister and foreign minister. Shimon Peres.