Israel ex-PM Ariel Sharon's condition 'deteriorates further'

Former Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's condition worsened today as there was a "slow, gradual" decline in his health due to multi-organ failure, the hospital where he has been in coma since 2006 said.

"Tests show a slow, gradual deterioration in the functioning of his vital organs... His state has not changed. He's still in critical condition, and his life is in danger," Tel Hashomer hospital director Zeev Rotstein said.

Rotstein said tests indicated a blood infection among the ailments faced by 85-year-old Sharon whose health has worsened after undergoing surgery last month.

"Unfortunately, we see a multi-organ failure that is developing before our eyes, as can happen in such situations," he was quoted as saying by News website Ynet.

"As time passes, it seems the situation is not improving. We usually understand what happens in such scenarios. Sharon's sons are by his bed. They are constantly holding his hand and he is not alone for even one moment," Rotstein said.

Asked if Sharon was in his final days, Rotshein was quoted as saying, "I personally feel so".

Sharon, who has been comatose for almost eight years following a stroke in 2006 when he was the Prime Minister, was announced to have been in a critical condition yesterday as plans for a state funeral began to be discussed behind the scenes.

Sources privy to the family were quoted by Ynet as saying that Sharon's sons, Omri and Gilad, have come to terms with the situation and are preparing to bid their father farewell.

"Unfortunately, they understand this is the end, these are Arik's last few hours or days. It's hard. We avoided this moment for eight years and now it is here, and we cannot avoid it," an acquaintance of the family said.

Having fought in three Middle Eastern wars, Sharon is revered by many Israelis as the "security man" and reviled by numerous in the Middle East as the "butcher of Sabra and Shatila".

While serving as defence minister in 1982, he masterminded Israel's invasion of Lebanon. During the invasion, Lebanese Christian militiamen allied to Israel massacred hundreds of Palestinians in two Beirut refugee camps under Israeli control.

He was nevertheless elected prime minister 18 years later, pledging to achieve "security and true peace", and served until his second stroke.