Complaint
This programme included a report from the BBC’s International Editor Jeremy Bowen on reaction to the start of a ceasefire in Gaza. A viewer complained it exhibited bias towards Hamas in connection with its presentation of casualty figures, and challenged the accuracy of Mr Bowen “telling us that the IDF had used famine as a weapon”. The ECU considered whether the programme met the standards for impartiality and accuracy set out in the BBC Editorial Guidelines.
Outcome
There was nothing in the report to substantiate the claim that Mr Bowen had said the IDF had used hunger as a weapon, and consequently no inaccuracy in that respect. Like most other media, the report cited the figures for fatalities provided by the health ministry in Gaza, and attributed them correctly to a “Hamas-run” source. As those figures are considered broadly accurate by the relevant international agencies, no question of bias arises from citing them.
Not Upheld