Prime Minister Sharon Hospitalized

Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon suffered a massive, life-threatening bleeding stroke on Wednesday. The 77-year-old political power player had been scheduled on Thursday for surgery to seal a hole in his heart that contributed to a mild stroke a few weeks ago, on December 18. Sharon underwent surgery to drain blood from around his brain. Sharon was placed on a respirator following the procedure.

His powers were transferred to his deputy, Ehud Olmert. Reaction is mixed from across the globe. President Bush sent his condolences, while Ahmed Jibril, leader of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine-General Command, a small radical group, said that this stroke was a gift from God to "exact revenge on this butcher." But a Palestinian radio commentator said that "A live Sharon is better for the Palestinians now, despite all the crimes he has committed against us."

There are reports that Sharon is suffering from paralysis in his lower body. A cerebral hemorrhage, which Sharon suffered, is one of the most dangerous and lethal types of stroke. As TDI gets more details, we'll bring them to you as soon we we're able.