Did you know that Israel steals organs from Palestinians?

Organ Harvesting: Another Layer of Israel's Brutal Occupation

In recent years, numerous reports have emerged implicating Israeli authorities in the harvesting of organs from Palestinian bodies, particularly those killed in conflicts. While these claims have long been denied by Israel, mounting evidence and historical admissions have brought this disturbing issue back into the international spotlight.

Documented Cases and Eyewitness Reports

Since the 1990s, Israel has admitted to using organs harvested from bodies, including those of Palestinians, without consent. Reports from various human rights organizations and media outlets highlight the continuous nature of this exploitation. Palestinian families have reported receiving the bodies of their loved ones mutilated, with critical organs such as hearts, kidneys, and eyes removed. The lack of transparency in Israel’s handling of Palestinian prisoners’ bodies has only fueled these concerns.

In 2024, amid the uncovering of mass graves in Gaza, further allegations surfaced, suggesting that many of the bodies unearthed show signs of organ harvesting. Medical examiners and humanitarian groups working in Gaza noted missing organs from numerous corpses, raising fresh accusations that Israel is continuing these abhorrent practices.

Key Facts:

• Israel admitted in the 1990s to harvesting organs from Palestinians without consent.
• In 2024, allegations resurfaced, tied to the discovery of mutilated bodies in mass graves in Gaza.
• Palestinian families have continuously reported receiving the bodies of their loved ones with vital organs missing.
• Several news outlets, including Al Jazeera and Middle East Eye, have documented these claims, reinforcing the need for an international investigation.

A History of Organ Theft

Israel’s history with organ harvesting dates back to the 1990s when Dr. Yehuda Hiss, the then-head of Israel’s forensic institute, admitted to harvesting organs from Palestinians without family consent. Though Israel has since claimed to have ceased these practices, there is little transparency about current policies surrounding the bodies of Palestinians killed.

Reports from various Palestinian families tell a heartbreaking story of bodies being returned from Israeli custody visibly mutilated. These families were not given an explanation, and no formal autopsies were conducted to determine the full extent of the organ removal. Such incidents remain underreported in mainstream Western media, leaving much of the world unaware of the systemic nature of this crime.

International Silence

While these allegations may sound outlandish to some, the lack of mainstream coverage does not diminish their validity. The international community has largely remained silent, choosing not to push for accountability despite the overwhelming evidence. Palestinian lives continue to be devalued on a global scale, with little urgency to investigate or bring Israel to justice for these war crimes.