The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) has removed several Middle East reporters from the air amid allegations that they posted support for Hamas in its terrorist attacks on Israel. BBC News Arabic reporters, including those reporting out of Egypt and Lebanon, appeared to back the Hamas terrorist group or criticize the Jewish state in posts they either tweeted or liked. One reporter liked a message that appeared to describe Hamas terrorists as “freedom fighters.” The BBC stated that they are urgently investigating the matter and will take appropriate action if breaches of editorial and social media guidelines are found.
The alleged social media activity included the liking of a tweeted video showing bodies and kidnapped people being loaded onto a vehicle with a caption reading “proud moment” and another stating that Israelis “will live as a thief and a usurper.” The Financial Times reported that six BBC journalists had been taken off the air, while The Wrap put the number at seven.
The BBC – one of the world’s largest and most influential broadcasters – has faced scrutiny over its position on Hamas from politicians, with 10 Downing Street insisting the word “terrorists” was appropriate given that Hamas’ attack on Israel was the third-deadliest terrorist attack since the 1970s.
