Over eleven thousand complaints have been sent to BBC over its refusal to allow an appeal for aid to Gaza from the Disasters Emergency Committee. Fifty MPs are ready to introduce a resolution in support and many senior members at BBC have voiced their displeasure. Archbishop of Canterbury, Rev. Rowan Williams, simply said: “My feeling is that the BBC should broadcast an appeal.” The BBC defends its stand on ground the entire issue of Gaza is a volatile political issue and by broadcasting an appeal for humanitarian aid it somehow would be taking sides in the dispute.
The fact 1,300 humans have died and thousands are without food, shelter or medical care is not an issue about being or not being “impartial”–whatever that means. People are hungry, and children need medical care, that is the only important consideration. John Snow, of the BBC, news staff, put it succinctly: “It’s a ludicrous decision. This is what public service broadcasting is for: I think it was a decision founded on complete ignorance and I am absolutely amazed they have stuck to it.”
As one who believes in the existence of Israel, and has helped found a Holocaust Museum, the Israel, I believe Gaza operation was a human and political disaster. The innocent must not be allowed to suffer. Put on the damn plea for aid!
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