Former Israeli president Shimon Peres dies aged 93

Shimon Peres, the Israeli politician who won the Nobel Peace Prize during his unprecedented seven-decade career, has died aged 93.

Mr Peres suffered a major stroke two weeks ago that led to bleeding in his brain. He was sedated and on a respirator during most of his time in hospital, as his condition worsened.

His son, Chemi, confirmed his death to reporters gathered at the hospital.

He said: ‘Today with deep sorrow we bid farewell to our beloved father, the ninth president of Israel.
‘Our father’s legacy has always been to look to tomorrow. We were privileged to be part of his private family, but today we sense that the entire nation of Israel and the global community share this great loss. We share this pain together.’

Pictured here with Bill Clinton, Mr Peres was described as a great statesman

A former aide to Mr Peres said his body will lie in state at the Israeli parliament, the Knesset, on Thursday, before a state funeral at the country’s national cemetery in Jerusalem on Friday.

Shimon Peres was the ninth president of Israel. May his soul rest in peace. Amen