Abbas has been in the hospital since early last week, the third time he was hospitalized since undergoing ear surgery earlier this month.

He reportedly had a high fever when he was admitted to the hospital. Palestinian officials reported last week that Abbas had pneumonia and that he was on a respirator. He also received intravenous antibiotics.

Dr. Yasser Abu Safiyeh, medical director of the Arab Advisory Hospital in Ramallah, told the official WAFA Palestinian news agency that Abbas’ heath is improving rapidly. He did not say when Abbas would be released.

Last week, the PA issued photos of Abbas in the hospital, sitting up and reading a newspaper. The newspaper featured a cartoon showing an Israel soldier feeding poison to a Palestinian baby.

Abbas has been president of the PA since 2005.