Medical records of former Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat appear to show that doctors could not determine the underlying cause of his death. The records, obtained by the New York Times newspaper, say that Arafat died from a stroke that stemmed from an unknown condition. But Israeli newspaper Haaretz says the records point to him dying from poisoning, Aids or an infection. Both newspapers say the records, have been withheld by senior Palestinian officials and Mr Arafat's widow until now, show that doctors could not agree on the cause of the 75-year-old's death. | "Excellent work, Smithers" "Thank you, Minister" |
"There are three possible causes of death: infection from a germ that poisoned the blood, Aids or poisoning from a dinner at his Ramallah headquarters on October 12, 2004," Avi Isacharov, one of the book's authors, told the AFP news agency. Speculation on the cause of Arafat's death has continued with many Palestinians believing that he was poisoned by Israel.
Yasser Arafat's nephew, Palestinian Foreign Minister Nasser al-Kidwa, has said the late Palestinian leader's medical file does not allay suspicions that he may have died of "unnatural causes". But senior Palestinian official Saeb Erekat said the French doctors should publish their report in full to put an end to the rumours.