A spokesperson confirmed that Guinness has a policy since November 2023, just after the conflict began, to not process new record applications from Israel or the Palestinian Territories. The policy applies to records attempted in these areas unless done in cooperation with a UN humanitarian aid agency.

The policy came to light after Israeli charity Matnat Chaim, which promotes voluntary kidney donations, attempted to submit a record for gathering 2,000 donors in Jerusalem. Guinness declined, saying submissions from the region are currently not being considered.

Rachel Heber, president of Matnat Chaim, criticized the move, saying, “The fact that Guinness refuses to include the Israeli achievement that astonished the entire medical world is unacceptable.”

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The Guinness spokesperson said the policy is reviewed monthly, and the organization hopes to resume receiving submissions soon. Guinness emphasized its belief in record-breaking “for everyone, everywhere,” but noted the ongoing conflict makes the situation sensitive.

The announcement coincides with growing international isolation of Israel, which faces cultural, academic, and sports boycotts amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza.