27th January 2009

Cllr Philip Booth writes to the local press re the BBC's refusal to show the Gaza appeal.

The BBC got it very wrong over the refusal to transmit the Gaza humanitarian charity appeal by the Disasters Emergency Committee which represents 13 of the world's most respected charities.

The BBC even claimed it could not be certain the aid would reach its target. Yet it is not for the BBC to tell professional aid agencies how to do their jobs. Everyone knows the situation in Gaza is dangerous and that the ceasefire is fragile. Aid lorries are getting through. The DEC works with the UN to ensure that this sort of aid reaches the right place.

The people of Gaza are desperate for food and medical supplies. These DEC appeals are worth millions and it is disgraceful that the BBC should refuse to broadcast. At least the coverage of their refusal will hopefully lead to greater awareness and aid.

It is also of concern that some some journalists consider that the BBC has censored, as unsuitable for transmission, some key coverage of the Israeli bombardment of civilians and also failed to cover concerns that war crimes may have been committed. Peter Tatchell, the Green party's spokesperson on human rights, has noted that the Israeli ambassador in the UK has received 2,000% more press coverage than his Palestinian counterpart. Such bias does not give us a balanced perspective on the Israel-Palestine conflict and the tragic events in the Palestinian territories (i). 

The ceasefire is welcome, but a permanent solution must be found. Aggression only fuels further hatred and misery. We need international war crimes investigations and borders to be opened, both with Israel and Egypt. The USA must also change its stance to help move towards a lasting resolution.

Cllr. Philip Booth, Stroud District Green Party.

 
Notes:
(i) See here.