Defence Secretary Grant Shapps has criticized the BBC for its lack of interest in covering Hamas as a terrorist organization and for not labeling their violent acts as terrorism. Shapps accused the national broadcaster of refusing to "call a spade a spade". The BBC has previously used the label when referring to 9/11 and Al-Qaeda. Shapps' criticism comes as Israel's military prepares to send troops into Gaza and evacuate over 1 million people.
Refusing to Label Hamas
The BBC has been accused of not labeling Hamas as a terrorist organization and not classifying their violent acts as terrorism. Defence Secretary Grant Shapps criticized the national broadcaster for refusing to "call a spade a spade". The BBC argues that labeling Hamas as terrorists would be biased, but it has used the label when referring to 9/11 and Al-Qaeda.
Israel's Response
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to crush Hamas terrorists after gunmen stormed over the border and shot down men, women, and children. As Israel's military prepares to send troops into Gaza, over 1 million people have been ordered to evacuate.
British Jews' Concerns
Grant Shapps also expressed concerns about the BBC's language, stating that it has left British Jews feeling ashamed. Shapps highlighted Hamas' charter, which includes a plan to slaughter all Jews, not just in Israel but across the world. The Defence Secretary emphasized the need to address the situation as it is and called for the BBC to acknowledge that Hamas is a terrorist organization.
Legal Action Against the BBC
The Board of Deputies of British Jews has taken action to initiate a legal process against the BBC. In a letter to Director General Tim Davie, the Board's lawyers criticized the BBC's refusal to label Hamas as a terrorist organization and to review its Editorial Guidelines. This comes as four Jewish schools in London have closed over concerns for children's safety amid anti-Israel protests.
Concerns for Children's Safety
Four Jewish schools in London have closed due to fears for children's safety following the ongoing violence in the Middle East. Community leaders are worried that youngsters may be targeted. The schools have informed parents of the closure, and it is not yet known when they will reopen.
