Former Israeli PM Ariel Sharon's condition 'critical'

The director of the medical centre treating former Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon has told a news conference he is suffering "some critical malfunction of organs - including his kidneys".

Professor Zeev Rotstein of the Sheba Medical Centre said Mr Sharon's situation is critical and there is "danger for his life".

Mr Sharon, 85, became prime minister in 2001, but in December 2005 he suffered a mild stroke.

After a second, major stroke in 2006, he went into a coma and has been in a persistent vegetative state ever since.