- Title: ISRAEL: E Israel's ex-PM Ariel Sharon suffering multi-organ failure - hospital
- Date: 3rd January 2014
- Summary: RAMAT GAN, ISRAEL (JANUARY 3, 2014) (REUTERS) VARIOUS EXTERIORS OF THE SHEBA MEDICAL CENTRE AT TEL HASHOMER HOSPITAL (SOUNDBITE) (English) ZEEV ROTSTEIN, DIRECTOR OF SHEBA MEDICAL CENTRE AT TEL HASHOMER , SAYING: "During the last 24 hours his condition deteriorated slowly but we see it upon his lab results and about the clinical, I would say vital, signs. Ariel Sharon is
- Embargoed: 18th January 2014 12:00
- Keywords:
- Location: Israel
- Country: Israel
- Topics: Politics
- Reuters ID: LVA9IFCEI3H9Y7PW94QLN6RZLAYM
- Story Text: Former Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's medical condition continues to deteriorate, hospital director says.
Former Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, comatose since a 2006 stroke, is close to death as his health continues to decline, the head of the hospital treating him said on Friday (January 3).
Sharon, 85, has been on life support at Sheba Medical Centre near Tel Aviv for eight years.
His condition worsened sharply this week, with doctors reporting a life-threatening collapse of vital organs.
"During the last 24 hours his condition deteriorated slowly but we see it upon his lab results and about the clinical, I would say vital, signs. Ariel Sharon is not suffering, he is receiving maintenance therapy by his physician. He's closely attended by his children and by the medical staff," said Zeev Rotstein, the hospital director.
"I can't say that there is some improvement in his condition since yesterday," he added, saying Sharon's condition was in fact deteriorating.
One of Israel's most famous generals, Sharon left his mark on the region through military invasion, Jewish settlement building on captured land and a shock, unilateral decision to pull Israeli troops and settlers out of the Gaza Strip in 2005.
"He is fighting like a real warrior, as he was during all the days of his life and also in this situation," said Rotstein.
Reviled by Arabs over his war record and viewed with a mix of respect and suspicion by many Israelis.
"It looks like the situation is not getting better, and we know what usually happens in such situations," Rotstein told reporters on Friday.
Sharon's two sons were at his bedside, doctors said, and a state funeral was planned. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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