Former Israeli President Shimon Peres has died at the age of 93.
Close relatives of the Nobel peace prize laureate had earlier rushed to his hospital bedside amid media reports that his condition had deteriorated and he was close to death.
Mr Peres was taken to hospital following a major stroke two weeks ago and his condition was improving before he suffered a severe setback on Tuesday, Israeli media said.
Al-Jazeera reported it received confirmation from the Sheba Medical Centre in Tel Aviv of his death.
Read the report in the Sydney Morning Herald.