Latest news with #Gaza101
Metro
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Gary Lineker claims BBC should 'hold heads in shame' for shelving Gaza film
Gary Lineker has blasted the BBC for refusing to air the Gaza: Doctors Under Attack documentary. The former Match of the Day presenter, who fronted the BBC's flagship programme for 26 years until his exit at the end of the football season campaign in May, has taken aim at his former employer with a blunt rant. The documentary, which was originally commissioned by the BBC and produced by an independent company, explored the healthcare system in Gaza and the impact of Israeli military operations. Last month, the broadcaster decided against airing the programme themselves, saying in a statement that it 'risked creating a perception of partiality that would not meet the high standards that the public rightly expect of the BBC'. Instead, producers Basement Films were allowed to shop the documentary around, with Channel 4 airing it earlier this week. At a London screening of the documentary on Thursday, Lineker spoke on stage and described the piece as 'one of the most important films I've ever seen, certainly the most moving'. 'It needed to be seen. It really did need to be seen,' the retired footballer added, before turning his attention to the BBC. He said: 'I think the BBC should hold its head in shame. I've worked for the corporation for 30 years; to see the way it's declined in the last year or two has been devastating.' Lineker also claimed that people at the BBC are 'bowing to pressure from the top', adding: 'This is a worry… Complicity is something that will come to many.' When asked for comment, the BBC directed Metro to its latest statement, in which the broadcaster said it has 'produced powerful coverage of this conflict'. The statement continued: 'Alongside breaking news and ongoing analysis, we have produced award winning documentaries such as Life and Death in Gaza, and Gaza 101. 'We have also investigated allegations of abuse of Palestinian prisoners and Israel's attacks on Gaza's hospitals. 'Just today [June 20] we are running a powerful piece of longform journalism that captures the final two weeks inside a Gaza hospital before it was forced to close. 'We want to thank the doctors and contributors and we are sorry we could not tell their stories. The BBC will continue to cover events in Gaza impartially.' Lineker was initially set to cover the 2025-26 FA Cup and 2026 World Cup for the BBC following his Match of the Day departure, but he left early after an antisemitism row. At the time, the 64-year-old 'apologised unreservedly' after sparking controversy for sharing and then deleting a video on his Instagram account from the group Palestine Lobby he did not realise was illustrated with a picture of a rat. Acknowledging he had caused 'error and upset', Lineker said in a statement that exiting the broadcaster seemed the 'responsible course of action.' He said: 'I care deeply about the game, and about the work I've done with the BBC over many years. As I've said, I would never consciously repost anything antisemitic – it goes against everything I stand for. View More » 'However, I recognise the error and upset that I caused, and reiterate how sorry I am. Stepping back now feels like the responsible course of action.' Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: TV fans all say the same thing as the soaps are taken off air MORE: Melania Trump joins Donald in welcoming Gaza hostage who was 'very important' to her MORE: Jermaine Jenas reveals he 'lost everything' in BBC sacking after sexting scandal
See - Sada Elbalad
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- See - Sada Elbalad
BBC Faces Internal Backlash Over Gaza Coverage Bias Claims
Israa Farhan More than 100 BBC employees have signed a letter addressed to Director-General Tim Davie, accusing the broadcaster of acting as a propaganda outlet for the Israeli government in its coverage of the war in Gaza. The letter also gained support from over 300 other media professionals, including renowned figures like actors Miriam Margolyes and Charles Dance, and filmmaker Mike Leigh, signaling growing discontent over the broadcaster's editorial direction. The letter criticizes the BBC for failing to meet its editorial standards and claims that its Gaza coverage falls short of reflecting the scale of the ongoing humanitarian crisis. It further alleges that much of the network's output resembles public relations material in favor of the Israeli government and military. The controversy comes in the wake of public outcry over the BBC's decision to broadcast a live performance by the band Pop Vylan at Glastonbury Festival, during which a member shouted 'Death to the IDF.' The incident sparked wider scrutiny over the broadcaster's editorial decisions regarding Middle East coverage. A BBC spokesperson responded by affirming that open internal editorial debate is vital and reiterated the corporation's commitment to impartial coverage of the conflict. The network pointed to documentaries such as *Life and Death in Gaza* and *Gaza 101* as examples of balanced reporting. The open letter also referenced alleged internal censorship, with employees reportedly facing accusations of bias for sharing articles critical of Israel on social media. Content producers also reported editorial pressure under the guise of neutrality. The situation escalated following the BBC's decision to withdraw the documentary Gaza: Doctors Under Attack from its broadcast schedule, despite the film receiving prior approval from editorial policy teams. The film was later picked up by Channel 4. While the BBC stated the decision was based on the film not passing final reviews and concern that it could appear biased, internal sources cited comments from contributors, such as journalist Ramita Navai, who had previously called Israel a 'rogue state,' as possible influencing factors. Signatories of the letter called the decision politically motivated, reflecting what they described as a culture of 'editorial fear' within the organization. They also demanded the resignation of BBC board member Robbie Gibb due to his links to The Jewish Chronicle, which the letter claimed has published anti-Palestinian content. The BBC denied any board involvement in the documentary's removal, stating that its Editorial Standards Committee had no role in the decision. read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News Israeli-Linked Hadassah Clinic in Moscow Treats Wounded Iranian IRGC Fighters News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Videos & Features Tragedy Overshadows MC Alger Championship Celebration: One Fan Dead, 11 Injured After Stadium Fall Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks News "Tensions Escalate: Iran Probes Allegations of Indian Tech Collaboration with Israeli Intelligence" Videos & Features Video: Trending Lifestyle TikToker Valeria Márquez Shot Dead during Live Stream Technology 50-Year Soviet Spacecraft 'Kosmos 482' Crashes into Indian Ocean
