Israeli President Criticises BBC for ‘Biased Reporting’ on Hamas-Israel Conflict
The BBC asserts that the UK government officially designates Hamas as a proscribed terrorist organisation.
Israel’s president, Isaac Herzog, has strongly criticised the BBC for its handling of the Hamas-Israel conflict, particularly for not referring to Hamas as a terrorist organisation. Herzog stated that Israeli families have suffered greatly and questioned what further evidence the BBC requires to acknowledge Hamas as “the worst terrorist organisation in the world.”
He expressed his dismay, saying, “I feel the BBC’s reporting is atrocious. The fact that it does not recognise Hamas as a terror organisation requires a complete legal battle and public battle. It’s unbelievable.”
Herzog highlighted specific actions by Hamas members, indicating their instructions to engage in immediate torture upon abducting individuals from innocent villages, kibbutzim, or cities.
The BBC, in accordance with its editorial guidelines, does not use the term “terrorist” but acknowledges and clarifies that Hamas is officially designated as a terrorist organisation by the UK government. The BBC board released a statement affirming that the recent conflict has caused immense suffering to civilians on both sides, and they anticipate continued scrutiny of their coverage.
While complaints have been received regarding the BBC’s coverage of the conflict, the broadcaster maintains that its editorial guidelines are robust and will be subject to periodic review. This includes consultation and debate on relevant issues in their upcoming scheduled review in the spring. Accusations of bias have been made by both parties involved in the conflict.
