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January 4, 2014

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Israel ex-leader鈥檚 health in 鈥榮low, gradual鈥 decline

Israeli former Prime Minister Ariel Sharon’s health was in “slow, gradual” decline yesterday, according to the hospital where he has been in a comatose state for eight years.

It was the third straight day of reports that Sharon may be nearing death, with the 85-year-old’s health worsening on Wednesday as he suffered serious kidney problems after undergoing surgery.

Sharon’s health was deteriorating as US Secretary of State John Kerry arrived in the region to push Middle East peace talks forward, on a four-day visit expected to involve shuttle diplomacy between Israeli and Palestinian leaders.

“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,” Zeev Rotstein, director of the Sheba Medical Center near Tel Aviv, was quoted by public radio as saying.

“I don’t think the situation will improve with time, and we know what usually happens in cases like this,” he added, suggesting that Sharon might die soon.

Rotstein said there were traces of infection in Sharon’s blood, and that it had not been possible for him to undergo renal dialysis since his other organs were so fragile.

The long-time leader of the rightwing nationalist camp in Israeli politics suffered a massive stroke on January 4, 2006, slipping into a coma.

Kerry on Thursday said the thoughts of the American people were with Israel and Sharon.


 

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