Jerusalem, Jan 11 (IANS): Former prime minister of Israel, Ariel Sharon, 85, passed away Saturday after being comatose for eight years.

Sharon's son Gilad confirmed that his father has died at the Sheba Medical Centre in the city of Ramat Gan in Tel Aviv district of Israel.

"He left when he decided to leave," Xinhua quoted Gilad Sharon as telling reporters at the hospital where Sharon fought for his life in the past one week.

Gilad Sharon thanked the doctors and medical staff who took care of his father throughout the years and "those who prayed for his well being in Israel and throughout the world".

The former leader's family, including his sons Omri and Gilad, were with him during his final moments.

The Israeli prime minister's office will organise a state funeral for Sharon, The Jerusalem Post reported

Sharon suffered a stroke in 2006 and slipped into a coma. His condition deteriorated last week after suffering kidney failure and the systems in the body began to shut down, up until his death Saturday noon.