Where did organs come from? ‘Israel’ donation record rises amid Palestine organ theft claims

• Around 1,200 'Israeli' kidney donors set a Guinness World Record in Jerusalem.
• The record comes amid long-standing allegations of organ removal from Palestinian martyrs during the 'Israeli' war on Gaza.

Approximately 1,200 'Israeli' kidney donors gathered in Jerusalem for a single photograph, setting a Guinness World Record, according to the 'Israeli' newspaper Srugim. The event, organized by the nonprofit Matnat Chaim (Gift of Life), celebrates voluntary kidney donation and highlights efforts to save patients’ lives.

The photograph was taken during a major ceremony in Jerusalem, where donors assembled under the guidance of the organization, which encourages living organ donations. Organ donation in 'Israel' is among the highest in the world, despite some religious restrictions and a relatively small population.

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The organizers have submitted the record to Guinness World Records for official recognition. As of now, Guinness has not yet confirmed the record, but the ceremony marked the largest gathering of kidney donors in a single photograph.

Historical allegations of organ harvesting

The Guinness milestone comes amid decades-long allegations of organ removal from Palestinian martyrs. In 2009, Swedish journalist Donald Bostrom reported that 'Israeli' forces and officials at the Abu Kabir Forensic Center, led by Dr. Yehuda Hiss, had harvested organs and skin from Palestinians killed by 'Israeli' forces, often without family consent. Bostrom documented at least 133 cases and linked them to illegal organ trafficking networks in New Jersey.

American anthropologist Nancy Scheper-Hughes later released a 2000 interview with Hiss, in which he admitted to harvesting corneas and skin without family permission. Despite these admissions, Hiss faced no criminal charges and eventually returned to lead the forensic center.

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In 2009, 'Israeli' authorities formally acknowledged that forensic pathologists had removed organs from dead bodies, both 'Israeli' and Palestinian, without permission. Four months ago, 'Israel' threatened legal action against a Swedish newspaper that published claims suggesting that 'Israeli' forces had killed Palestinians to harvest organs. While there is no evidence that Palestinians were specifically targeted for organ removal, the allegations persist.

Historical reports and recent investigations suggest that Palestinian bodies have been commodified, with organs allegedly removed for the organ trade or transplant tourism. The European Parliament in 2015 listed 'Israel' as a central country involved in organ trafficking, and Gaza health officials have reported inconsistencies in bodies returned from 'Israeli' custody. TRT World Research Center highlighted that 'Israel' has not ratified the Fourth Geneva Convention, which prohibits mutilation of corpses and mandates protection of civilians, further complicating independent investigations.

Recent accusations amid 'Israeli' war on Gaza

In October 2025, Palestinian authorities accused 'Israeli' forces of stealing organs from corpses returned through the International Committee of the Red Cross. Ismail Thawabta, director of Gaza’s government media office, said most bodies showed evidence of field executions and systematic torture, with eyes, corneas, and other organs missing. He called for an international investigation into these acts.

Renowned British-Palestinian plastic surgeon Dr. Ghassan Abu Sittah examined images of deceased Palestinians and reported signs of professional organ removal, including hearts, lungs, livers, kidneys, and corneas. He described precise surgical methods, noting the rib cage and sternum were carefully cut to extract organs intact, and the victims’ skin appeared treated with liquid nitrogen to preserve tissue.

Ethical and political implications

While 'Israeli' kidney donation initiatives are celebrated internationally, these historical and recent allegations raise profound ethical and political questions. Human rights groups continue to demand investigations into the treatment of Palestinian bodies and potential organ removal during the 'Israeli' war on Gaza.

Matnat Chaim emphasized that the Guinness photo aimed to inspire living donations and promote life-saving transplants. Yet observers note the stark contrast between this celebrated achievement and the persistent allegations surrounding Palestinian deaths.

Public social media reaction

On X and other platforms, many users reacted sharply, calling the celebration “tone deaf” given ongoing allegations about the treatment of Palestinian bodies during the ‘Israeli’ war on Gaza. Commenters questioned the optics of celebrating a donation record while serious accusations continue to circulate online, and some urged independent investigations.

Friendly reminder that Jews in Israel get preferential treatment in the organ donation process in the United States.

Have an uncle who needed a kidney and was on a wait list for 6 months. We found a donor (a family friend) and the hospital called the donor asking him if he…

— See the way (@wifesthong) January 26, 2026

World record for most forced kidney donations from unwilling donors 

— Kyle (@RPPKyle) January 26, 2026

Not to forget that Israel has a large skin bank also. Apparently this is how they get their Semitic DNA, being patched with Palestinian skin and refurbished with Palestinian kidneys.

— MaviMarmara (@ArchilleLauro) January 27, 2026