Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon gestures at the end of his Likud Party's women conference in Tel Aviv in this March 10, 2005
Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon gestures at the end of his Likud Party's women conference in Tel Aviv in this March 10, 2005Reuters

While world leaders have offered their condolences following the death of former Israel PM Ariel Sharon, there are several others who still condemn him.

Anti-Sharon reactions are coming in, especially from Palestinians who believe that Sharon was guilty of spearheading numerous massacres in the past, showing 'disregard for civilian lives'.

"There are few individuals in the modern history of Isreal/Palestine whose actions have been as consistently destructive as those of Areal Sharon," Yousef Munyyer, the Executive Director of the Jerusalem Fund wrote on an OpEd on the Aljazeera website.

"Sharon, who died on January 11, had been involved in Israel's war machine as early as 1948. He was known for his cut-throat attitude on the battlefield, often with wanton disregard for civilian lives" he added.

Among the many incidents for which Sharon is criticized is the events of Qubya in 1953. Sharon is alleged to have led an Israeli attack in the Palestinian village, during which scores of homes were destroyed with civilians inside, attributing to 69 deaths.

Negativity surrounding Sharon's name increased after the 1982 'massacres' at the Palestinian refugee camps of Sabra and Shatila in Lebanon, during which Israeli-allied Lebanese Phalangists allegedly entered and killed a large number of Palestinian civilians. Sharon was the minister of defense during that time.

The leader, alleged to be operating with what has been called "impunity", also surfaced in controversy when he made a visit to the Haram al-Sharif Temple Mount in Jerusalem on 29 September 2000. 13 Palestinians died and 1,000 were wounded during the protest against the visit.

The leader is still considered a controversial one, courtsey of several such incidents. The leader, nicknamed as Arik by friends, served as Israel's Prime Minister from 2001 till 2006, before suffering a stroke and going into a coma. He died on Saturday, 11 January 2014.

Following are some of the negative reactions from people who see Sharon as an enemy of peace:

    •  Yousef Munayyer, the Executive Director of The Jerusalem Fund and its educational programme, The Palestine Center: "Time and again, Sharon left some of the bloodiest marks on the history of Palestine." (Quoted from his article)

Here are some of the reactions from world leaders on Sharon's death:

1. Israeli president Shimon Peres: Arik was a valorous soldier and a bold statesman who contributed much to the security and building up of the State of Israel. Arik loved his people, and his people loved him. He knew no fear. He took difficult decisions and implemented them courageously.

2. US president Barack Obama: We reaffirm our unshakable commitment to Israel's security and our appreciation for the enduring friendship between our two countries. As Israel says goodbye to prime minister Sharon, we join with the Israeli people in honouring his commitment to his country.

3. Former US president George W Bush: I was honoured to know this man of courage and call him friend. He was a warrior for the ages and a partner in seeking security for the Holy Land and a better, peaceful Middle East. Laura and I send our heartfelt condolences to Ariel's family and all who will dearly miss him.

4. UN secretary-general Ban Ki-moon: Prime minister Sharon will be remembered for his political courage and determination to carry through with the painful and historic decision to withdraw Israeli settlers and troops from the Gaza Strip.

5. US secretary of state John Kerry: During his years in politics, it is no secret that there were times the United States had differences with him. But whether you agreed or disagreed with his positions - and Arik was always crystal clear about where he stood - you admired the man who was determined to ensure the security and survival of the Jewish State. 

6. Former US president Bill Clinton & former secretary of state Hillary Clinton: It was an honour to work with him, argue with him, and watch him always trying to find the right path for his beloved country.

7. Russian president Vladimir Putin, according to a Kremlin statement: Ariel Sharon will be remembered in Russia as a consistent supporter of friendly relations between Russia and Israel, who made a significant contribution to expanding mutually beneficial cooperation.

8. British Prime Minister David Cameron: Ariel Sharon is one of the most significant figures in Israeli history and as Prime Minister he took brave and controversial decisions in pursuit of peace, before he was so tragically incapacitated. Israel has today lost an important leader.