http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/4417354.stm

Palestinian's organs go to Israel


Ahmed was shot by Israeli soldiers who thought his toy gun was real


The parents of a Palestinian boy killed by Israeli soldiers in the
West Bank have donated his organs for use in Israel, in the hope of
promoting peace.

Twelve-year-old Ahmed Ismail Khatib was shot in the town of Jenin by troops who mistook his toy gun for a real one.

His organs were transplanted into five Israeli children and a woman aged 58.

His father, Ismail, said saving lives was more important than religion,
and added: "I feel that my son has entered the heart of every Israeli."


Ahmed died in hospital from his injuries after being shot in the body
and head while throwing stones at Israeli soldiers who were hunting
suspected militants in Jenin.

The Israeli army expressed regret over his shooting.

'Gesture of love'

Israel's parliamentary speaker, Reuven Rivlin, praised the Khatib
family's action as a "remarkable gesture" after decades of conflict
between Israelis and Palestinians.

Mr Khatib said he was very proud that his son's organs would help six Israelis.


Ahmed's parents said they were proud to help save other children


"I have taken this decision because I have a message for the world: that
the Palestinian people want peace - for everyone," he told the AFP news
agency.

"We have no problem whether it is an Israeli or a Palestinian [who
receives his organs] because it will give them life," added the boy's
mother, Ablah Khatib.

Ahmed's kidneys, liver, heart and lungs were transplanted into Israelis
including Jews, Arabs and a Druze girl, medical officials said.

The girl, aged 12 and from Israel's Arab minority, received Ahmed's heart, bringing to an end a five-year wait for a transplant.

Her father, Riad Gadban, called the donation a "gesture of love" and
said his daughter was regaining strength after the operation.