BBC Permanently Shelves Gaza Medics Documentary Over Impartiality Concerns

The BBC has permanently shelved the documentary Gaza: Doctors Under Attack, which focuses on the plight of medics in Gaza, citing concerns that broadcasting it risked creating a perception of partiality in its coverage of the conflict. The decision follows a review triggered by controversy over a previous BBC documentary, Gaza: How to Survive a War Zone, which was removed after revelations about its narrator's family ties to Hamas. Despite efforts to find a way to air some of the material within impartiality guidelines, discussions between the BBC and the independent producer, Basement Films, concluded without resolution. The producer, Ben de Pear, publicly criticized BBC director-general Tim Davie and accused the corporation of succumbing to PR concerns and being influenced by the pro-Israel lobby. Basement Films expressed disappointment, noting multiple delays and changing release dates, and has reclaimed ownership of the film. The BBC maintains that impartiality is a core principle and that the film could not meet the high standards expected by its audience.