Senior Palestinian officials say Yasser Arafat's health deteriorated Wednesday night, and a new commission has reportedly been named to run the Palestinian Authority in his place.
The officials say Mr. Arafat was unconscious for a period of time and is in serious condition under the care of a team of doctors. They did not provide new details about his illness, which earlier this week was described as influenza.
Doctors are trying to determine whether to move the 75-year-old leader from his Ramallah compound to a hospital. Israeli officials say Mr. Arafat can travel to get treatment anywhere he wants.
The committee named to act in Arafat's place is made up of Prime Minister Ahmed Queria, his predecessor Mahmoud Abbas and Salim Zaanoun, the head of the Palestinian National Council.
Information for this report is provided by AP and Reuters.