Hospital says Israel's former PM Ariel Sharon in "extremely critical' condition

The health of former Israeli premier Ariel Sharon has worsened over the past hours, hospital officials said on Thursday, describing him as being in "extremely critical" condition.

"Over the past hours, there has been a worsening of the condition of former prime minister Ariel Sharon. His condition is described as extremely critical and his family is at his side all the time," said a statement from Sheba hospital near Tel Aviv where he is being treated.

Sharon has been in a coma since January 4, 2006 after suffering a massive stroke, but his condition took a sudden turn for the worse on January 1 when he suffered serious kidney problems after surgery.

Hospital sources quoted by army radio said the former premier only had "a few days or even hours" left.