SHARON
JERUSALEM (Reuters):
ISRAELI PRIME Minister Ariel Sharon, battling for re-election after spearheading a pullout from Gaza, suffered a minor stroke yesterday and was rushed to hospital, where doctors said his life was in no danger.
The 77-year-old former general has been a pivotal figure in the Middle East for decades and turned Israeli politics on its head by evacuating Jewish settlers from Gaza and then quitting his party with a vow to seek peace with the Palestinians.
"I feel fine," Sharon was quoted as saying by aides. Israeli television said he had quipped to doctors: "You're not getting rid of me yet."
Sharon felt unwell after meeting veteran statesman Shimon Peres at his Jerusalem office and was rushed to nearby Hadassah hospital for a brain scan. Tests revealed a minor stroke. Doctors said Sharon was likely to stay for three to four days.
"There is no reason for fear," said his personal physician Boleslav Goldman.
While concern swept Israel yesterday, Gaza erupted in jubilation with scores of Palestinian militants offering thanksgiving prayers and distributing sweets to celebrate the Israeli leader's misfortune.
