Charities, politicians blast BBC over Gaza appeal row

[Praxius]

Charities, politicians blast BBC over Gaza appeal row

The BBC's decision not to broadcast humanitarian aid appeals in support of those living in the Gaza Strip has caused an uproar in the U.K.

The Disasters Emergency Committee, a group comprised of Oxfam, Save the Children, the Red Cross and other top British charity organizations, has blasted the British Broadcasting Corporation for refusing to air its call for donations to aid the people of Gaza.

The group has prepared television and radio appeals calling for donations to help people in need of food, shelter and medicines.

However, airing such appeals could give the impression that the public broadcaster is taking sides in regards to the recent conflict between Israel and Hamas militants in the Palestinian territory, according to BBC chief Mark Thompson.

"We believe that this story is best told in the context of journalistic programs where assertions can be challenged, where claims can be tested and where everything can be put into a balanced context," said Thompson, the BBC's director general.

Oh yeah? Where was that balance during the conflict?

The BBC has received more than 10,000 complaints over its decision and was the target of protests outside its offices on the weekend.

The charity groups have been joined by religious leaders, including the Archbishop of Canterbury, politicians and broadcasting unions also criticizing the BBC's choice.

"The justifications given for the decision — 'question marks about the delivery of aid in a volatile situation' and risks of compromising its 'impartiality in the context of an ongoing news story' — appear to us cowardly and in danger of being seen as politically motivated and biased in favour of Israel," according to a public letter to the Thompson from the heads of the National Union of Journalists, and the Broadcasting Entertainment Cinematograph and Theatre Union.

"We, above all, understand the BBC's need to maintain editorial impartiality, and we also understand the pressure journalists and the BBC come under from those who accuse the BBC of bias in reporting the Middle East."

More than 50 British MPs are expected to vote Monday on a motion calling for the broadcaster to reverse the decision and air the appeal.

While rival broadcasters such as ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5 have agreed to air the appeal Monday evening, Sky News has also joined the BBC in refusing the ad.

Jeez people, it's about humanitarian aid for people suffering..... nobody is asking to send weapons and supplies to Hamas.... they're asking to send food and aid to the civilians who are obviously suffering from the conflict...... what the hell is so wrong with that?

Because it might show that Israel might have caused some suffering on civilians in Gaza?

Well holy snappin crap Batman, welcome to the real world.