The Board of Deputies of British Jews says it is “appalled” by a BBC report in which a newsreader wrongly claimed that Israeli forces would be targeting medics.
The broadcaster has apologised on air for the error in which journalist Monica Miller twice mistakenly claimed that Israeli forces were “targeting medical staff and Arab speakers” at Gaza’s largest hospital.
The apology came after Jewish leaders criticised the BBC for a “staggering lack of care”.
A clip of the broadcast showed Ms Miller citing a report by news agency Reuters, which described how the IDF had confirmed it would be carrying out a “precise and targeted operation” against terror group Hamas in Gaza’s al-Shifa hospital.
Reuters had included a quote from an IDF spokesman that read: “The IDF forces include medical teams and Arabic speakers, who have undergone specified training to prepare for this complex and sensitive environment, with the intent that no harm is caused to the civilians.”
However, Ms Miller told viewers that medics and Arab speakers were being “targeted” by Israeli soldiers.
Misreported information
Speaking during what is understood to be a live broadcast, the newsreader said: “We are hearing from Reuters that is reporting that Israel, it says its forces are carrying out an carrying out an operation against Hamas in Gaza’s al-Shifa hospital and they are targeting people, including medical teams as well as Arab speakers.
“They are also saying that Israel is calling on all Hamas operatives in the hospital to surrender at this point.”
The newsreader then went on to repeat the misreported information, adding: “They are targeting … it’s Arab speakers as well as some of the medical staff there and they are asking all Hamas operatives in that hospital to surrender.”
A spokesman for the Board of Deputies of British Jews said it was “absolutely appalled” by the footage, adding: “At best, this shows a staggering lack of care when reporting on a highly volatile situation, which can have a knock-on effect all over the world, including in Britain, where anti-Semitic attacks have risen by more than 500 per cent since October 7th.
“Incidents like this make a mockery of the BBC’s oft-stated dedication to professionalism and impartiality.”
Shortly before 10am on Wednesday morning, a BBC newsreader addressed the issue, saying: “And now for an apology from the BBC.
“BBC news, as it covered an initial report, said Israeli forces has entered Gaza’s main hospital.
“We said that medical teams and Arab speakers were being targeted. This was incorrect and misquoted a Reuters report.
“We should have said IDF forces included medical teams and Arabic speakers for this operation.
“So we apologise for this error, which fell below our usual editorial standards. The correct version of events was broadcast minutes later.”
The Telegraph is awaiting further comment from the broadcaster.
Reuters has been approached for a comment.
William Turner is a seasoned U.K. correspondent with a deep understanding of domestic affairs. With a passion for British politics and culture, he provides insightful analysis and comprehensive coverage of events within the United Kingdom.
