LONDON — Over 100 BBC staff and more than 230 media professionals have criticized the broadcaster for allegedly favoring Israel in its coverage of the ongoing war in Gaza, urging a recommitment to “fairness, accuracy, and impartiality.”

The open letter, addressed to BBC Director General Tim Davie and reported by The Independent, accuses the BBC of failing to meet its editorial standards by lacking “consistently fair and accurate evidence-based journalism in its coverage of Gaza.”

The letter also called on the BBC to report “without fear or favour” and to uphold its “highest editorial standards.” It argued that inadequate coverage “dehumanizes Palestinians” by not robustly challenging Israeli claims.

The BBC responded by denying the claims and maintaining that it “strives to live up to our responsibility to deliver the most trusted and impartial news.”

A spokesperson cited challenges such as restricted access to Gaza and certain areas in Lebanon but emphasized the BBC’s efforts to get reporters into affected regions.

Among the signatories were historian William Dalrymple, University of Glasgow sociology lecturer Catherine Happer, Centre for Media Monitoring director Rizwana Hamid, and broadcaster John Nicolson.

The criticisms come amid mounting calls for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza, as casualties reportedly exceed 43,300, including many women and children, with over 102,000 injured. Israel is currently facing a genocide case at the International Court of Justice over its actions in Gaza. — Agencies