Ex-Israeil PM Ariel Sharon's health worsens

, Jan 2: A severe deterioration in the condition of former Israeli

Ariel Sharon, who has been in a coma since 2006, was reported by Israeli media outlets Wednesday.

The 85-year-old leader has been kept on life support in a hospital in central Israel for the past eight years and apparently suffered kidney failure now which could very well lead to a multi-system organ failure and death, Xinhua reported citing Channel 10 news.

Sharon orchestrated Israel's disengagement from the Gaza Strip enclave in 2005. But in December of the same year, he suffered a minor stroke, while presiding as Israel's Prime Minister.

On Jan 4, 2006, Sharon suffered another severe stroke. After receiving emergency treatment, he slipped into a coma and was replaced then by former prime minister Ehud Olmert from his center- left Kadima party.

IANS