BBC Faces Backlash Over Gaza Documentary Narrated by Hamas Official's Son

The broadcaster removed the film after discovering the narrator's family ties to Hamas, prompting internal reviews and public debate over its editorial standards.

• The BBC pulled the documentary 'Gaza: How to Survive a Warzone' after learning its 13-year-old narrator, Abdullah al-Yazouri, is the son of a Hamas deputy minister.
• The BBC admitted to 'serious failings' in its commissioning process and launched an internal investigation into the production by Hoyo Films.
• Hoyo Films paid £790 to the boy's family for his role, though the BBC stated no payments were made directly to Hamas members or affiliates.
• The controversy has drawn criticism from UK officials and media professionals, with some defending the documentary's intent to highlight Gaza's children's experiences.
• The BBC has no plans to reinstate the documentary on its streaming platform, citing concerns over its impartiality and compliance with editorial standards.

3 Articles

The Times New York Post The Telegraph