BBC apologises for serious flaws in Gaza documentary |
The BBC has issued a formal apology for “serious flaws” in its documentary Gaza: How to Survive a War Zone after concerns were raised over the affiliations of one of the contributors.
The documentary, which aired on BBC Two on February 16, was removed from the BBC iPlayer five days later.
The removal followed the revelation that 14-year-old Abdullah Al-Yazouri, the film’s narrator, is the son of Dr. Ayman Al-Yazouri, a former deputy minister of agriculture in Gaza’s Hamas-run government.
In a statement, the BBC explained that its initial review revealed the production company, Hoyo Films, had failed to inform the broadcaster of Abdullah’s father’s Hamas connection.
The BBC stated that the independent production company had been asked multiple times about any potential affiliations with Hamas, but they did not disclose the information.
The BBC also confirmed that the production company had paid Abdullah’s mother a limited sum for his narration, though they were seeking further assurance that no money was paid to Hamas or its affiliates.
The controversy has sparked significant public backlash, with more than 500 media professionals, including actors Gary Lineker, Anita Rani, and Riz Ahmed, condemning the BBC’s decision to pull the documentary.
An open letter signed by several prominent figures urged the broadcaster to reinstate the programme, calling it “an essential piece of journalism” that offered a rare and important perspective on Palestinian children’s experiences in Gaza.
The BBC has launched a full review of the film and its production process. It has also initiated an audit of the financial transactions involved, ensuring no funds were directed to Hamas or its affiliates.
The BBC said it had failed in its due diligence, which impacted the corporation’s reputation.
The removal of the documentary also led to protests outside the BBC’s London headquarters, with some critics accusing the broadcaster of censorship.
Campaign groups such as Campaign Against Antisemitism expressed their anger, calling the BBC’s actions a “new low” and accusing it of becoming a mouthpiece for terrorists.
The BBC is continuing to investigate whether any disciplinary action is warranted over the matter.
The BBC further stated that it would expedite complaints through its Executive Complaints Unit and that the review process would be comprehensive.
Despite the apology, the broadcaster made it clear that the documentary would not be broadcast again in its current form.
