The father of a Palestinian boy shot dead by Israeli soldiers has donated his son's organs to Israelis waiting for transplants.

Ismail Khatib said the spirit of his 12-year-old son Ahmed is now alive in every Israeli and that he's proud of his decision.

He said he understands some Palestinians may be angered by the move.

Ahmed Ismail Khatib died Saturday in an Israeli hospital. (AP Photo)

"No one can tell me what to do," Khatib told the Associated Press. "I feel very good that my son's organs are helping six Israelis ... I feel that my son has entered the heart of every Israeli."

Ahmed was shot during a raid in Jenin. Israeli troops said he was carrying a toy rifle and they mistook him for a militant.

He died of his wounds late Saturday at an Israeli hospital.

His kidneys, liver, lungs and heart were transplanted to recipients, ranging in age from a seven-month-old baby to a 58-year-old woman. Those who received organs included Jews, Arabs and a Druze girl.

Khatib said his decision was made in part by experiences with his brother, who died at the age of 24 while waiting for a liver transplant. He said it's his family's desire to help others regardless of their nationality.

"We're talking about young children. Their religion doesn't make a difference," he said.

Israel has a chronic shortage of donor organs. Medical officials attribute it to Jewish religious taboos against such donations.

Khatib said he received a call from Israel's acting finance minister, Ehud Olmer, who apologized for the boy's death and invited him to Jerusalem. Khatib said he had not decided whether to accept the offer.