RAMALLAH (Ma'an) -- A Palestinian prisoner of Israel has been hospitalized after a sudden deterioration in his health, the Palestinian Prisoners Society said Thursday.

Maisara Abu Hamdiah, 64, has been transferred from Rimon jail to Soroka Hospital, the PPS said in a statement.

He has a serious glandular infection and cannot speak, the society said, adding that he had suffered rapid weight loss.

Abu Hamdiah was detained in May 2002 and sentenced to life imprisonment.