Ariel Sharon is unlikely to return as Israel's prime minister after his massive stroke, doctors said last night, threatening to derail faltering steps towards peace in the Middle East.Confirmation that Mr Sharon's military and political career spanning more than half a century was effectively over was given by Dr Shlomo Mor-Yosef, the director of the Hadassah Hospital outside Jerusalem. Asked if the prime minister could return to work, he said: "Under the current circumstances it will not be possible."
The 77-year-old leader had a seven-hour operation to stem bleeding in his brain on Wednesday night after suffering a massive haemorrhage. Doctors placed him under deep sedation and on a respirator for at least 48 hours to allow him to "recover from severe trauma".
| The deep sedation is part of standard therapy in this situation, and can be continued as long as needed. |