London, July 3, 2025 (Agencies): The BBC is under mounting pressure after more than 400 media professionals — including over 100 current BBC staff — signed an open letter accusing the broadcaster of biased coverage of the Gaza conflict and calling for the removal of board member Sir Robbie Gibb.
The letter, addressed to BBC Director-General Tim Davie and the board, claims the corporation’s reporting on Israel’s war in Gaza has “fallen short” of its editorial standards and has often resembled “PR for the Israeli government and military”.
Signatories include prominent actors such as Miriam Margolyes, Charles Dance, and Juliet Stevenson, as well as journalists, producers, and academics. The letter alleges that internal censorship and fear of appearing critical of Israel have compromised the BBC’s journalistic integrity.
A central point of contention is the BBC’s decision to pull the documentary Gaza: Doctors Under Attack, which had passed senior editorial review but was dropped over concerns it might create a “perception of partiality.” The film has since been acquired by Channel 4.
The letter also targets Sir Robbie Gibb, a BBC board member and former director of communications for Prime Minister Theresa May, who previously led a consortium that took over the Jewish Chronicle. The signatories argue that Gibb’s ties to the publication — which has been accused of publishing “anti-Palestinian and often racist content” — render his position on the BBC’s Editorial Standards Committee “untenable”.
BBC insiders claim that editorial decisions are being influenced by political considerations rather than journalistic merit. “This illustrates precisely what many of us have experienced first-hand: an organisation crippled by the fear of being perceived as critical of the Israeli government,” the letter states.
In response, the BBC said it welcomes internal debate and remains committed to impartiality. “We have ongoing discussions about coverage and listen to feedback from staff. We think these conversations are best had internally,” a spokesperson said.
The controversy comes amid broader scrutiny of the BBC’s handling of Middle East coverage and growing calls for transparency and accountability within the organization.