Over 100 BBC employees accuse broadcaster of ‘promoting Israel’s agenda’

More than 100 BBC employees, alongside 300 other media workers and artists, have accused the British broadcaster of promoting a pro-Israel agenda and exhibiting anti-Palestinian racism.

The allegations came to light in an open letter published by Deadline magazine and reported by Qatar-based Al Jazeera on Wednesday. The letter criticizes BBC’s senior leadership for imposing censorship on coverage related to Israel and acting as a public relations arm for the Israeli government and military.

Signatories condemned the BBC’s recent decision to withhold the documentary Gaza: Medics Under Fire, describing the move as politically motivated. They also accused the broadcaster of failing to adequately analyze the UK government’s role in the ongoing Palestine conflict, particularly regarding arms sales and legal responsibilities.

The letter states, “Since October 2023, it has become clear that the BBC’s reporting on Israel and Palestine does not meet its editorial standards. There is a significant gap between the realities in Gaza and the West Bank and the BBC’s coverage compared to other credible sources.”

The employees expressed concern that editorial decisions at the BBC increasingly diverge from facts and serve political purposes rather than audience interests.

While all employee signatories chose to remain anonymous, the letter has drawn support from public figures in media and entertainment, including actors Khalid Abdalla and Miriam Margolyes.