More on this story. “Gaza donations double after DEC aid appeal screened,” from Times Online, January 27:
Donations to an emergency fund for Gaza doubled overnight after three TV channels broadcast an appeal that the BBC and Sky News have refused to show.
Members of the public have now pledged over £1 million to help tackle the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip, the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) said today.
Terrestrial broadcasters ITV, Channel 4 and Five showed the DEC”s televised appeal for donations last night.
More than 100 MPs from all parties have signed an early day motion criticising the decision taken by BBC and Sky News not to air the three-minute film.
Demonstrators last night staged protests at the BBC”s Broadcasting House in central London, burning their TV licences and occupying the building’s reception until they were removed by police.
The DEC, an umbrella organisation for 13 of the larger aid agencies including Oxfam and the British Red Cross, said today it was “delighted” with the response to its appeal.
“We really do appreciate the support of the British public who have shown their generosity when confronted with scenes of a dire humanitarian emergency,” said Brendan Gormley, the chief executive.
“Their donations will improve the lives of so many civilians caught up in a conflict that was not of their making.
Even if they were the ones who voted into power Hamas, the terrorist organization ultimately responsible for the current situation.
All the money raised will go directly to helping the innocent families in Gaza who have been left without basic everyday necessities that we take for granted such as food, shelter and healthcare.”
Except for that money which, one way or another, will find its way to support Hamas’ jihad.
Richard Burden, the Labour MP who tabled the early day motion, criticised the arguments put forward by BBC managers to explain their decision as “unconvincing and contradictory”.
“Viewers and listeners can see the difference between a humanitarian appeal and politics – even if the BBC and Sky management cannot,” he said.
“BBC and Sky bosses have the power to make the editorial decisions they want. The rest of us have the right to say they are wrong.”
Mark Thompson, the BBC director general, today repeated that he would not change his mind on screening the advert.