BBC faces accusations of bias in Gaza coverage from staff, Industry voices
Over 100 BBC employees have accused the network of favoring Israel in its reporting on the Gaza conflict, citing a lack of "accurate, evidence-based journalism." In a letter sent to BBC Director General Tim Davie and CEO Deborah Turness, critics argued that the broadcaster’s coverage fails to hold Israel accountable and lacks essential journalistic standards.
First reported by The Independent, the letter, signed by over 100 anonymous BBC staff along with more than 200 figures from media, academia, and politics, expressed deep concern over what they describe as "systematic dehumanization" of Palestinians in BBC coverage. The letter emphasizes that gaps in critical analysis of Israeli claims have broader implications, affecting public perception and accountability.
The conflict, which has seen at least 43,259 Palestinians killed and 101,827 wounded in Gaza since October 7, 2023, also resulted in the deaths of an estimated 1,139 Israelis during attacks by Hamas that same day, with over 200 people taken captive.
The signatories requested specific editorial changes, including transparency about Israel’s restricted access to Gaza for foreign journalists, clearer labeling when evidence supporting Israeli claims is limited, and consistent historical context in reporting. They also urged the BBC to rigorously question Israeli officials in interviews to ensure balanced coverage.
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Sharad Pawar suffers from mild dehydration, hospitalised in Pune
Pune (PTI): NCP (SP) president Sharad Pawar was admitted to a private hospital in Pune on Sunday after suffering from mild dehydration, doctors said.
The condition of the 85-year-old Rajya Sabha member was stable, they said.
"He has been admitted to the Ruby Hall Clinic for mild dehydration and requires intravenous fluids. His condition is stable. He will remain in the hospital for two days and is expected to be discharged thereafter," Dr Purvez Grant, chief cardiologist and chairman and managing trustee of the hospital, said in a statement.
Dr Grant and Dr Abhijit Lodha, consultant physician at the hospital, were supervising his treatment.
Earlier, the former Union minister was admitted to the same hospital on February 9 following a chest infection and was discharged on February 14.
