BBC, Hamas, October 7

BBC Arabic News Faces Backlash Over Framing of Hamas Attack

BBC Arabic News ignited controversy with its poll asking viewers to classify Hamas' January attack as terrorism or resistance.

Police at the scene of a terror attack in Ra'anana. January 15, 2024. (Photo by Avshalom Sassoni/Flash90)

The BBC is under fire for its Arabic channel's controversial framing of a Hamas attack perpetrated in Ra'anana in January. The incident, which left 79-year-old Edna Bluestein dead and over a dozen others injured (including Nadav Kamer), was the subject of a YouTube post by BBC Arabic that asked viewers whether they viewed the attack as "terrorism or resistance."

Critics argue that this framing suggests the BBC might consider it legitimate to describe Hamas attackers as resistance fighters. The attack, for which Hamas claimed responsibility, involved both stabbings and vehicular assaults.

The Committee for Accuracy in Middle East Reporting and Analysis (CAMERA) points out that this incident aligns with the BBC's general reluctance to use the word "terrorism" in relation to attacks on Israeli civilians, even in reference to the October 7 atrocities.

The controversy extends beyond this single post. BBC Arabic's YouTube channel has been criticized for inadequate moderation of antisemitic comments. Videos related to the October 7 attacks and survivor interviews have attracted numerous inflammatory and violent comments towards Jews and Israelis.

In response, a BBC spokesperson stated that BBC News Arabic reflects debates taking place across the Middle East and invites a variety of perspectives. The spokesperson emphasized that BBC News Arabic adheres to the same Editorial Guidelines as the rest of BBC News and takes its commitment to impartiality "incredibly seriously."

Regarding comment moderation, the BBC acknowledged the challenges faced by many media companies on social media platforms. While they employ filtering software, much of their moderation is manual, and with millions of followers, removing offensive comments quickly is not always possible.

* Israel Hayom contributed to this article.

Israel-Gaza war Terror attack BBC Antisemitism

Comments

Do not send comments that include inflammatory words, defamation and content that exceeds the limit of good taste.

The comment was sent successfully.
Soon the response will be examined by our editors and if it is found to be correct it will be published on the website.
The comment was sent successfully.
Soon the response will be examined by our editors and if it is found to be correct it will be published on the website.


Statistics show: Gaza mission (almost) complete

On the way to defeating Hamas: Combat data from Gaza revealed
Eliana Fleming | 18:55

What really happened on October 7th?

To uncover the truth: Bereaved families establish the 'October Council'
Eliana Fleming | 17:09

Food in Israel has become insanely expensive

War pushes food prices higher as Israelis struggle to make ends meet
1
| Gila Isaacson | 14:48

An alternative way to get our hostages back?

Netanyahu is offering Hamas captors millions of dollars per hostage they release- Here's what we know
1
| Gila Isaacson | 12:44

IDF hits PFLP hard

Major IDF crackdown with 60 PFLP operatives captured
Avi Nachmani | 09:24

The most beautiful thing I have read in ages

Here's why this Hasidic singer and influencer is enlisting | The answer will surprise (and inspire) you
2
| Gila Isaacson | 09:09

Female IDF hero soldiers

Sneek peak into what it's really like to be a female IDF sniper 
Gila Isaacson | 04.11.24