BBC Under Fire Over Gaza Appeal

The BBC is drawing sharp criticism from government officials, religious leaders, and even its own staff for refusing to air a segment in which groups asked viewers to help fund humanitarian aid in Gaza. Citing bias, the BBC declined to air the plea, which was assembled by 13 major charities. Rival broadcasters ITV and Channel 4 consider the documentary a public service and will air it. The Archbishop of York's response, according to The Guardian: "This is not an appeal by Hamas...By declining their request, the BBC has already taken sides." A BBC reporter told the newspaper anonymously: "There's a feeling of real anger—made worse by the fact that contractually we are unable to speak out."