The BBC has dropped a documentary that follows Palestinian doctors working under Israeli attacks in Gaza. This decision came after several months of delays and broken promises.
The film, Gaza: Medics Under Fire, was completed and ready to air in February. However, the BBC postponed it following controversy around another documentary about Gaza’s children, How to Survive a Warzone.
At the time, the broadcaster said it would air the medical film once a review was complete. That promise has now been cancelled.
BBC says film may seem biased
In a statement, the BBC said the documentary could be seen as partial.
“We have come to the conclusion that broadcasting this material risked creating a perception of partiality that would not meet the high standards that the public rightly expect of the BBC.”
As a result, the BBC handed over all rights to the production company, Basement Films. Any future broadcast will not be linked to the BBC.
Filmmakers express frustration
Basement Films said the BBC gave them six different release dates. The broadcaster had also confirmed—both in writing and verbally—that the film was approved.
“There is no moral or professional reason why a mistake in one film should repeatedly prevent the release of another,” they said.
In a new statement, the team thanked the doctors who participated in the film. They also admitted they were wrong to doubt the warnings.
“It turned out they were right,” the filmmakers said.
Award-winning team behind the project
The film was produced by acclaimed journalists Ben de Pear, Karim Shah, and Ramita Navai. They have received Oscar, Emmy, and Peabody awards for their past work.
In May, over 600 artists and media professionals signed an open letter. They accused the BBC of political censorship over the unexplained delay.
Although the broadcaster has removed its name from the film, Basement Films says the BBC’s role should still be acknowledged.
“It will remain theirs,” the company said. “We hope it opens a debate on how the national broadcaster covers Gaza.”
Final word
The BBC may have walked away, but the courage of Gaza’s doctors remains. Their story still matters. And the world deserves to hear it.