Israel`s Ariel Sharon in `slow, gradual` decline: Medics

Former prime minister Ariel Sharon, comatose since a 2006 stroke, slipped closer to death after a sharp decline in the condition of the ex-general who long symbolised Israel`s military might.

Jerusalem: Israeli former prime minister Ariel Sharon`s health was in "slow, gradual" decline on Friday, according to the hospital where he has been in a comatose state for eight years.

"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 was quoted by public radio as saying. 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. News website Ynet quoted medical sources on Wednesday as saying Sharon was taken into intensive care a month ago. His health then stabilised but suffered a "significant deterioration" in the past few days. The long-time leader of the right-wing nationalist camp in Israeli politics suffered a massive stroke on January 04, 2006, slipping into a coma from which he has never recovered. Israeli and US specialists said a year ago that Sharon had showed "significant brain activity" in an MRI scan, responding to pictures of his family seven years after the stroke. Concern over the state of Sharon`s health comes as US Secretary of State John Kerry arrived in Israel at the start of a four-day Middle East visit aimed at securing Israeli and Palestinian agreement on a framework for final status peace talks. Kerry on Thursday said the thoughts of the American people were with Israel and Sharon. "We remember his contributions, the sacrifices he made to ensure the survival and the well-being of Israel," he said.