The documentary, which aired on BBC Two, followed a number of young people between the ages of 10-24 as they go through daily life in Gaza amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, according to Variety. One of the subjects was teenager Abdullah Al-Yazouri. Controversy arose when it was discovered that his father, Ayman Alyazouri, serves as Hamas' deputy minister of agriculture.
The relationship was first brought to light by investigative journalist David Collier. "We have said that BBC News has become a propaganda tool of Hamas. Well here is the proof. Sit down and hold on to something," Collier posted on X. He then posted a thread detailing the relationship.
Following this revelation, a number of critics including former BBC One boss Danny Cohen called for transparency in the BBC’s vetting process and demanded the documentary be removed. In response, the BBC acknowledged its failure to disclose the family connection and announced a review of the program.
“‘Gaza: How to Survive a Warzone,’ features important stories we think should be told – those of the experiences of children in Gaza. There have been continuing questions raised about the program and in the light of these, we are conducting further due diligence with the production company. The program will not be available on iPlayer while this is taking place,” the BBC said in a statement on Friday, according to Variety.
UK Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy addressed the controversy, stating that she plans to discuss the matter with BBC officials, including subject sourcing.
