"I just want him to be healthy", - says PM's Sharon oldest friend since they both lived in Rehovot

Dozens gather at hospital to wait for news on Sharon, after he was rushed to surgery for third time since being admitted Wednesday night

Family, friends, associates and advisors anxiously wait for any news on Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, after he was operated on for the third time since Wednesday night, in an attempt to stop additional cranial bleeding and pressure.

The hospital lobby is packed with people fidgeting, chain-smoking and waiting for any updated news.

One of Sharon's oldest friends, Haj Salah Dabbah, came all the way from Dir al-Asad to be with him. He has known the prime minister for the past 43 years.

"I met him when we both lived in Rehovot. We have been together since 1962. He visits me and I visit him. Now I am worried, I just want him to be healthy. I came here with my sons to be with him," he said.

"God willing he will manage to pull through. He is a strong man and Allah will give him strength," he added.

Sharon's advisors and associates wander around in the hospital building, not knowing what to do, while hundreds of reporters and media teams from around the world are waiting in the marked-off street adjacent to the hospital for any news.

Source: Ronny Sofer. PM's health: Waiting anxiously for news on Sharon. YNet.com (6 January 2005) [FullText]