The broadcaster has been accused of using a child narrator with family ties to Hamas in the film, which recorded the experiences of young people in Gaza.
February 19, 2025 17:03
A group of nearly 50 Jewish journalists and members of the media have signed a letter to the BBC raising serious concerns about a recent documentary on the war in Gaza.
BBC Two’s Gaza: How to Survive a Warzone examines the conflict through the eyes of four young people living in the Strip.
But a report by investigative journalist David Collier alleged that one of the children featured, Abdullah Al-Yazouri (who serves as the film’s narrator), has connections to the Hamas government.
Collier claimed that Abdullah is the son of Ayman Al-Yazouri, the Deputy Minister of Agriculture in Gaza and called the documentary a piece of “propaganda” for the group.
In response to the allegations, a group of 45 prominent Jewish media figures signed a letter to the corporation, demanding more details about the making of the film and questioning whether it violated Ofcom rules.
Their questions included whether any members of Hamas were paid in connection with the film, whether the film required Hamas’ permission to be made and, if so, why this was not disclosed to audiences.
Signatories to the letter include former BBC governor Baroness Deech, noted actress and campaigner Tracy Ann Oberman and ITV’s former Controller of Entertainment Claudia Rosencrantz.
Separately, Baroness Deech told the JC that she believes the BBC’s coverage of the Israel-Gaza war has been “shameful”.
“I watched the BBC programme on Gaza and wondered how it could be made impartially given that it was being recorded by people inside Gaza whose independence must surely depend on Hamas.
“There was no mention of the fate of the hostages, a peaceful coexisting future or any agreement with Israel; and, of course, focusing on charming and articulate children (which they were) is bound to affect the emotions rather than inviting scrutiny.
“The immediate plight of the Gazans is indeed awful but so is the long-term situation for hostages, Israel and its fighters, and there must be no equivalence.”
She added that she felt the BBC's complaints system is “inadequate” to deal with these issues, calling it “defensive and inexpert”.
In response to the original report, a BBC spokesperson said: “Gaza: How to Survive a Warzone, a documentary showing the conflict through the eyes of three children in Gaza, was produced in line with BBC editorial guidelines and the BBC had full editorial control. The film told the children’s own stories, showing viewers their direct experiences of living through a war, and the children’s parents did not have any editorial input.
“As the BBC has previously explained, the film was edited and directed from London, as independent international journalists are not allowed into Gaza. The film gives audiences a rare glimpse of Gaza during the war, as well as an insight into the children’s lives, it hears the voices of other Gazan civilians, several of whom voice anti-Hamas sentiments.”