The BBC is under fire for delaying the broadcast of a humanitarian appeal for Gaza, organized by the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC). The corporation said the appeal does not currently meet the necessary criteria for national broadcast, though it remains “under review.” Other channels have already agreed to air the appeal.
According to reports, sources within the DEC and aid agencies have expressed frustration, with some accusing the BBC of “blocking” the appeal over fears of backlash from pro-Israel groups. A senior figure from an NGO described staff as “furious” about the BBC’s stance, as reported by The Guardian.
The DEC, a coalition of 15 leading UK charities, raises funds for humanitarian crises and relies on national broadcasts to boost donations. Their appeals must meet three key criteria: the disaster must demand urgent international assistance, aid agencies must be able to deliver help swiftly, and there must be public support or a likelihood of significant backing for the cause. It is believed that the BBC’s hesitation centers around the second criterion, regarding aid delivery.
Since its inception in 1963, the DEC has raised £2.2bn through 77 appeals, including £426m for Ukraine in 2022. Its rapid response network includes major UK broadcasters, who help publicize the appeals.
A DEC spokesperson voiced concern about the situation, said “The DEC and our stakeholders are deeply concerned about the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza… We are ready to act when the moment is right.”
The BBC, meanwhile, has come under fire for its handling of the conflict on both sides. It has been accused of bias in its reporting, but a spokesperson for the broadcaster reiterated its commitment to impartiality: “We are keeping the possibility of a pan-broadcaster appeal under review.”
The conflict has sparked protests and demonstrations across the UK, with large groups rallying both in support of Gaza and Israel. More than 40,000 people have died in Gaza since the conflict began last October, following a Hamas attack on Israel that killed over 1,100 civilians, according to local health authorities. The UN and aid agencies report that almost 2 million people have been displaced, and critical supplies like food, water, and medicine are scarce.
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