Ariel Sharon dies aged 85

Ariel Sharon, who was Israel's prime minister in one of its most turbulent phases and one of the most controversial figures in its history, has died, aged 85, after spending the last eight years of his life in a coma.

Dr Shlomo Noy, who has personally treated Sharon since his debilitating stroke eight years ago, said that Mr Sharon had struggled with "surprising strength" over the past week as his condition had deterioriated. "He departed peacefully with his wife and family at his side," he said.

The decorated former army general was pronounced dead at the Tel Hashomer Hospital, near Tel Aviv, days after doctors reported a sharp deterioration in his health, leading to multiple organ failure. He was prime minister from 2001 until he suffered a massive stroke in January 2006, which left him incapacitated.

Photo: izionist.org