Shimon Peres is making “slow moderate improvement”, according to his son-in-law who is his personal physician.

Dr Rafi Walden told the AFP news agency that doctors would “gradually reduce support” in terms of respiration and anaesthesia, “and expect the patient to respond.”

Mr Peres has received messages of support from a number of famous well-wishers. Pope Francis has said he has prayed for the Israeli statesman’s recovery, while Barbara Streisand, who sang to Mr Peres at his 90th birthday party, sent him a message which said “you hold a very special place in my heart.”

The Ynetnews Israeli site has reported that hundreds of messages from Israeli schoolchildren have also been delivered to Mr Peres’s bedside.

In a statement, the Peres family said: “The well wishes and songs of the children of Israel are what strengthens our family at this difficult time.

“To all the friends of Shimon Peres in Israel and abroad, we would like to thank you for the waves of love and support, which strengthen us and give us optimism. May we get good news."