Calls for Inquiry Into BBC Impartiality Surrounding Israel–Hamas Coverage by Peers

A peer and former governor of the BBC has urged an investigation into the broadcaster’s reporting on the Israel–Hamas conflict.

The independent cross bench peer stated: “There have recently been two independent reports, one of which I co-signed, which detailed errors and bias on the part of the BBC. There have been deplorable statements on the BBC Arabic World Service by individuals who harbor animosity towards Israel.”

Deech, who held the position of BBC governor from 2002 to 2006, referenced a 2023 report by the British BBC that wrongly claimed an Israeli strike on the Al-Ahli hospital in the Gaza Strip had resulted in the deaths of hundreds.

“It is time for an inquiry into the BBC’s fairness concerning this matter,” Deech asserted.

Leader of the House of Lords and Lord Privy Seal Baroness Angela Smith stated that she would not grant the request, but emphasized that “all news outlets have an obligation and responsibility to report the truth.”

In response to Deech’s remarks, a BBC spokesperson asserted that the broadcaster “upholds high standards of impartial reporting and refutes any insinuation that our coverage fails to accurately portray the reality of the situation in the Middle East, and its past, present, and potential impact on individuals in the region.”

The report, released on Oct. 1, highlighted that the BBC has made “inaccurate and harmful allegations” regarding Israel’s actions in its clash with the Hamas terrorist organization, generating coverage that displays loose journalistic standards and “institutional bias against Israel.”

The report pointed out that the BBC continually “reiterates, legitimizes, and reinforces entirely false claims“—such as those pertaining to the Al-Alhi hospital—”which directly contributed to unrest in certain European and Middle Eastern nations, including severe arson attacks on synagogues in Germany and Tunisia.”

The authors also criticized the broadcaster for frequently quoting casualty and injury figures from the Gaza Health Ministry without noting that the organization is affiliated with Hamas, and that these figures are unverifiable and incorporate thousands of terrorists.

“When faced with choosing whose narrative or account to believe, the corporation rarely leans towards Israel. For Hamas in this conflict, evidence is seldom required. However, for the IDF [Israel Defense Forces] and Israel, evidence is frequently insufficient,” they remarked.

Responding to the report, a BBC spokesperson informed The Epoch Times via email that the broadcaster had been “focused on impartially reporting the conflict,” and while they did not recognize the general characterization of their journalism in this report, they expressed willingness to review any concerns raised with care and attention.

Rise in Anti-Semitic Incidents

Deech’s request for an inquiry was made during a debate on the anniversary of the Oct. 7 attack, which resulted in the deaths of 1,200 Israelis and the kidnapping of 250 individuals.

The organization stated that during conflicts in Israel, there is typically a surge in anti-Jewish sentiment. Nevertheless, they noted that the occurrences following Oct. 7 were “unprecedented,” with incidents “flooded in before Israel’s military response.”

Approximately 13 percent of the younger demographic indicated disbelief in reports that Hamas was responsible for the deaths of 1,200 people in October last year, with 16 percent asserting that the terror attacks were justified. Furthermore, over one-eighth (13 percent) of young Britons believe it was unjust for the government to classify Hamas as a terrorist entity.

The CAA highlighted that the levels of support for the terrorist group among 18- to 24-year-olds exceed the national average, pointing towards “alarming indications of radicalism” among young Britons.

PA Media assisted in the production of this article.