More than 600 notable figures in the film, media, and cultural sectors have criticised the BBC for bias in its reporting and called on the broadcaster to air a delayed documentary focusing on Palestinian medics in Gaza.
In an open letter addressed to BBC Director-General Tim Davie, the signatories demanded the release of Gaza: Medics Under Fire, which captures the harrowing experiences of Palestinian healthcare workers operating under Israeli bombardment.
Among the signatories are Oscar-winning actor Susan Sarandon, comedian Frankie Boyle, and British journalist Lindsey Hilsum. The letter also includes 130 anonymous signatories, with more than a dozen reportedly from within the BBC itself.
“We write to you again with deep concern about the censorship of Palestinian voices — this time, medics operating in unimaginable conditions in Gaza,” the letter stated.
The group accused the BBC of partiality in its coverage of the conflict and questioned the network’s commitment to balance and impartiality.
“It has repeatedly delayed the broadcast of Gaza: Medics Under Fire, a documentary made by Oscar-nominated, Emmy and Peabody award-winning filmmakers, including Ben de Pear, Karim Shah and Ramita Navai,” the letter added.
The documentary documents attacks on hospitals and medical personnel in Gaza amidst ongoing Israeli airstrikes, which have reportedly resulted in the deaths of nearly 53,000 Palestinians since 7 October 2023.
(NAN)