The Palestinian president Yasser Arafat is lying in a critical condition in a French hospital and Hamas militants in Gaza say there is an urgent need for unity among Palestinian leaders.
Mr Nabil Abu Rdainah, a senior aide to Mr Arafat, said today the 75-year-old was in a serious condition at the military hospital where doctors have been unable to determine why his health suddenly deteriorated last week.
He did not comment on a report attributed to Palestinian sources on the Web site of a leading Israeli daily newspaper, that the Palestinian president had partially emerged from a coma and was communicating with doctors.
"The doctors say his condition is not irreversible. There is no change, he is still in a critical condition," Mr Abu Rdainah said. "Doctors have not been able to diagnose exactly what he is suffering from yet and this is the real problem.
"There is nothing to be worried about today. We hope that in the coming days the doctors will be able to diagnose his illness more exactly. He is still in need of more medical tests."
Palestinian officials say doctors have ruled out leukaemia.
"There is no change and nothing new since yesterday," added a spokesman for the hospital where Arafat is being treated.
Supporters staged another vigil outside the hospital today, lighting candles, waving flags and carrying pictures of Mr Arafat. "He is the last great historic leader on the planet," said French researcher Mr Herfi Morade, 35.
Conflicting reports on Mr Arafat's health have emerged since he was rushed to the hospital's intensive care unit late on Wednesday, with many in his close circle concerned that fears about his health might increase chaos back home.
Many Palestinians fear a power struggle as they wage a 4-year-old uprising against Israel. Foreign leaders have urged them not to abandon stalled peace efforts with Israel.
A row is also brewing over where Arafat, who personifies the Palestinian struggle for an independent state, might be buried. Arafat has said he wants to be buried in Jerusalem while Israel wants him buried in Gaza.