PETITION TO THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF PLASTIC SURGEONS

Formal Demand for Retraction of Publication in PRS Global Open

To the Board of Directors and Editorial Leadership of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery – Global Open:

We formally express grave concern and unequivocal protest regarding the publication in PRS Global Open entitled “Development of a Multinational Collaboration Supporting Reconstructive Surgery in Gaza During Active Conflict” and its incorrect data, harmful rhetoric, and blatant anti-Zionist propaganda within a surgical journal. As surgeons and scientists, we are bound by standards of academic rigor, methodological integrity, professional neutrality, and evidence-based scholarship. We wish to state unequivocally that we are in full support of reconstructive surgical efforts to care for innocent civilians harmed on all sides of this conflict. The humanitarian mission of reconstructive surgery, to restore form and function to those suffering injury, is one we uphold without reservation, irrespective of nationality, religion, or political context. However, we believe this publication warrants immediate retraction.

Basis for Petition

1. Reliance on Disputed and Non-Independently Verified Data

The article situates its discussion within the broader casualty and injury burden of the conflict, drawing upon prior publications including analyses published in The Lancet, which relied substantially on figures originating from the Gaza Health Ministry. These figures have not been independently audited and remain contested in methodology, verification processes, and transparency. Incorporating such figures without rigorous limitation discussion risks conferring scientific legitimacy upon data that do not meet standard peer-reviewed criteria.

2. Divisive, Offensive, and Boundary-Crossing Content

Beyond methodological concerns, the publication has proven deeply divisive and offensive to many members. By framing complex geopolitical conflict in a manner aligning with contested narratives, the article crosses the boundary between surgical scholarship and political advocacy.
For members who identify as Zionist or who have personal or professional ties to Israel, the framing is
perceived as adopting an anti-Zionist posture within an official Society publication, creating polarization within what must remain a scientifically grounded and professionally neutral platform. 

3. Ethical and Institutional Implications 


The American Society of Plastic Surgeons represents a diverse membership. When a publication generates widespread division and perceptions of political alignment, particularly during active armed conflict, retraction is the appropriate corrective action to restore trust and protect institutional integrity. 


Petition and Formal Demand:

• We formally demand full retraction of the article from PRS Global Open on the basis that it is divisive,
 offensive to members, crosses professional boundaries, and relies upon contested external data.

• We request establishment of explicit editorial safeguards governing future publications referencing
 conflict-zone data or politically contested external sources.

Link to the article

REFERENCES


Haravu PN, Lin E, Chelbi L, Hasso F, Staton C, Rose V, Patel A, Mokhallalati A. Development of a
Multinational Collaboration Supporting Reconstructive Surgery in Gaza During Active Conflict. PRS Global Open. 2026 Feb 23;14(2):e7514.

Jamaluddine Z, Abukmail H, Aly S, et al. Traumatic injury mortality in the Gaza Strip from Oct 7, 2023, to June 30, 2024: a capture recapture analysis. Lancet. 2025; 405:469–477.