Complaint
A viewer complained that the programme showed bias against Israel, reflecting only viewpoints from inhabitants of Gaza and the Occupied Territories, and by referring to Israel’s “b´Ç³¾²ú²¹°ù»å³¾±ð²Ô³Ù†(a term he considered tendentious) of Gaza. The ECU considered the complaint in the light of the Â鶹ԼÅÄ’s editorial standards of impartiality.
Outcome
The ECU noted that the programme’s agenda was driven by two breaking stories – the resignation of the Palestinian Government and the expression of concern by the UN Secretary-General about the Israeli Prime Minister’s statement that the planned assault on Rafah would go ahead. In the context of a rolling news service, and in the light of the fact that interviewees were appropriately challenged, the ECU found no breach of impartiality in focusing primarily on reactions to these developments in the Occupied Territories and Gaza. The term “b´Ç³¾²ú²¹°ù»å³¾±ð²Ô³Ù†was not in fact used in the programme.
Not upheld