A former BBC Panorama producer has criticized the broadcaster’s coverage of the conflict in Gaza, alleging bias and a departure from traditional standards of objectivity. Phil Craig, who spent two decades at the BBC, made the remarks during the Battle of Ideas festival in London, attributing the perceived shift to what he described as “group-think” and the influence of a “new, more radical generation” within the organisation.

Craig expressed concern that the BBC’s reporting on the Israel-Gaza conflict had become insufficiently monitored, leading to the involvement of individuals holding partisan views. He highlighted the broadcaster’s coverage of an explosion at the al-Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza in October as particularly problematic. At the time, a BBC reporter speculated on air that the hospital strike was likely caused by Israeli forces. Subsequent analyses suggested the explosion was more probably the result of a misfired rocket launched by Hamas. The Israeli government condemned the broadcaster’s coverage, describing it as a “blood libel.”

The producer also recalled a previous controversy involving a BBC documentary, *Gaza: How to Survive a Warzone*, which was withdrawn after it was revealed that its narrator, a 13-year-old boy, was the son of a Hamas official. A review had found the documentary breached editorial guidelines by not disclosing that connection. Craig suggested that these incidents reflected broader issues within the BBC, including a lack of enforcement of longstanding editorial principles and an influx of young journalists and activists whose perspectives may affect impartiality.

Reflecting on his earlier work, Craig contrasted current practices with those during the production of the BBC documentary *The Fifty Years War: Israel and the Arabs*, where he said his team was held to “super high standards” of balance and fairness. He expressed dismay at how the hospital coverage appeared to inflame tensions globally, noting in particular that it coincided with violent reactions, such as attacks on synagogues.

In response to the criticism, a BBC spokesperson reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to impartial reporting of the Israel-Gaza conflict. The broadcaster emphasized its responsibility to provide comprehensive coverage, including breaking news, ongoing updates, and detailed analysis. The BBC also stated that it aims to deliver a range of perspectives to its audience and maintains adherence to high journalistic standards.