BBC under fire for calling Israelis ‘human fragments’

Of 36 complaints submitted by CAMERA relating to the Arabic-language service’s coverage since that date, the Executive Complaints Unit has rejected 34.

By Vered Weiss, World Israel News

The BBC is facing renewed criticism over its handling of complaints after its internal Executive Complaints Unit ruled it was acceptable for a BBC Arabic guest to describe Israel as an “occupation” and Israelis as “human fragments,” prompting accusations that the broadcaster is effectively judging itself, according to the Jewish Chronicle.

Remarks made by Palestinian poet Al-Mutawakel Taha during an appearance on the BBC Arabic program “Hardtalk” were the focus of the complaint.

The Executive Complaints Unit concluded that the language reflected the guest’s personal views and did not require intervention by the presenter, rejecting a complaint filed by media watchdog CAMERA.

Dozens of rulings that have favored BBC Arabic since October 7, 2023. Of 36 complaints submitted by CAMERA relating to the Arabic-language service’s coverage since that date, the Executive Complaints Unit has rejected 34. Two complaints have been upheld, with decisions issued in recent weeks.

Complaints rejected by the unit include allegations that BBC Arabic failed to report violence against Israeli football fans in Amsterdam, omitted references to killings carried out by Palestinian prisoners released in exchanges, and interviewed only pro-Palestinian students when covering Gaza encampments at British universities.

The Executive Complaints Unit reviews appeals after complaints are dismissed at the first stage by the broadcaster.

Because BBC Arabic operates as part of the World Service, it falls outside the regulatory authority of Ofcom, making the unit’s rulings final.

Senior BBC executives have previously pointed to the Arabic service’s record at the Executive Complaints Unit as evidence that allegations of bias are unfounded.

That defense has drawn scrutiny following a report last year by independent adviser Michael Prescott, which devoted its longest section to BBC Arabic and identified disparities between its coverage and that of the BBC’s English-language output.