BBC apologises for misleading report on pro-Palestine rally

British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) News has apologised after one of its presenters, Maryam Moshiri, described people taking part in marches in support of Palestine as backing Hamas.

Thousands of people marched in solidarity with Palestine on Saturday, demanding an end to Israel's relentless bombing of the besieged Gaza Strip, which has so far killed at least 2,750 Palestinians, including over 1,000 children.

Moshiri said on X, formerly known as Twitter: "Earlier we reported on some of the pro-Palestinian demonstrations at the weekend.

"We spoke about ‘several demonstrations across Britain during which people voiced their backing for Hamas.

"We accept this was poorly phrased and was a misleading description of the demonstrations."

Earlier we reported on some of the pro-Palestinian demonstrations at the weekend.We spoke about “several demonstrations across Britain during which people voiced their backing for Hamas”.
We accept this was poorly phrased and was a misleading description of the demonstrations.
— Maryam Moshiri (@BBCMaryam) October 16, 2023

The BBC came under fire after it ran a news bulletin on Monday, with users of X taking to the platform to share their shock at the description of protesters as Hamas supporters.

X user @SaulStaniforth referenced lines voiced by the bulletin's presenter, commenting simply: "BBC News. No words."

Journalist Sarah Woolley encouraged her followers on X to complain to the corporation, adding: "Accurate reporting matters."

Aaron Bastani, co-founder of Novara Media, said on X: "Utterly appalling from the BBC. That means 150,000 in London breached the 2000 Terrorism Act on Sat - who is writing this stuff?"

Others urged viewers to cancel their TV licence, with X-user @BoufontZak saying: "Disgraceful bias from the BBC... Please cancel your TV license."