BBC Faces Criticism over Pro-Israel Bias in Gaza Coverage
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Over 100 BBC staff, alongside media professionals, have accused the broadcaster of favoring Israel in its coverage of the Gaza conflict, urging it to uphold impartiality, fairness, and accuracy.
More than 230 media professionals, including 101 anonymous BBC employees, journalists, historians, actors, academics, and politicians, signed a letter to BBC Director General Tim Davie, first reported by The Independent on Friday.
The signatories criticized the BBC for reportedly failing to meet its editorial standards, alleging a lack of "consistently fair and accurate evidence-based journalism" in its coverage of Gaza.
The letter calls on the BBC to report "without fear or favor" and to "recommit to the highest editorial standards – with emphasis on fairness, accuracy, and due impartiality."
It also expressed concerns that inadequate coverage could have severe consequences, stating: "Every television report, article, and radio interview that has failed to robustly challenge Israeli claims has systematically dehumanized Palestinians."
The BBC responded to the criticism, maintaining that it "strives to live up to our responsibility to deliver the most trusted and impartial news."
A spokesperson for the BBC added, "When we make mistakes or have made changes to the way we report, we are transparent. We are also very clear with our audiences on the limitations put on our reporting – including the lack of access into Gaza and restricted access to parts of Lebanon, and our continued efforts to get reporters into those areas."
The BBC is one of several British media organizations facing criticism this year over its Gaza coverage.
Notable figures among the signatories include historian William Dalrymple, Catherine Happer, a senior lecturer in sociology at the University of Glasgow, Rizwana Hamid, director at the Center for Media Monitoring, and broadcaster John Nicolson, The Independent reported.
Amid the controversy, Israel has continued its offensive in Gaza, defying a UN Security Council resolution calling for an immediate cease-fire.
According to local health authorities, the Israeli offensive has resulted in over 43,300 deaths, predominantly among women and children, and left more than 102,000 injured.
The International Court of Justice has initiated a genocide case against Israel in connection with its actions in Gaza.
