The BBC is facing criticism after its recent documentary “Gaza: How to Survive a Warzone” was accused of promoting Hamas propaganda.

The documentary aired on BBC Two on February 18, 2025, and aimed to provide an in-depth, unflinching view of life in Gaza.

The project was directed remotely by two London-based producers, who worked with two cameramen on the ground in Gaza over a span of nine months.

Allegations of Hamas Ties

Independent investigative journalist David Collier raised concerns about the credibility of the documentary, claiming one of its child narrators, Abdullah, may have ties to Hamas.

According to Collier, Abdullah is the son of Dr. Ayman Al-Yazouri, Gaza’s Deputy Minister of Agriculture, and the grandson of Ibrahim al-Yazouri, a Hamas founder.

Collier’s investigation, based on publicly available information, suggests that the family has strong connections to Hamas, an accusation the BBC has yet to verify independently.

Cameraman’s Controversial Post

Collier also highlighted an issue involving one of the documentary’s cameramen, Amjad Al Fayoumi, who allegedly posted a message supporting the October 7, 2023, attack on Gaza.

The post, which included a saluting emoji and the phrase “the flood,” raised further concerns about the documentary’s potential bias and editorial control.

Collier expressed his frustration with mainstream media, accusing them of unwittingly amplifying Hamas propaganda.

BBC’s Response to Criticism

In response to the accusations, the BBC stated that the documentary was produced and directed in London, as international journalists are not permitted entry into Gaza.

They also emphasized that the film offered a rare glimpse into the lives of Gaza’s children during the ongoing conflict.

Additionally, the BBC highlighted that some of the civilians featured in the documentary expressed anti-Hamas sentiments, which they believe adds balance to the portrayal.

However, the controversy has drawn sharp criticism from public figures.

Danny Cohen, former BBC Television director, questioned whether the BBC had conducted adequate journalistic checks, suggesting the organization may have unknowingly given airtime to a family with known terrorist connections.

The Campaign Against Antisemitism also weighed in, arguing that if Collier’s claims are accurate, the BBC had inadvertently aired propaganda from a terrorist organization.

Conclusion

The allegations have left the BBC in a difficult position, facing questions about its editorial practices and whether it failed to properly vet the individuals involved in the documentary.

While the corporation maintains that the film adhered to editorial guidelines, the controversy has sparked widespread debate about the responsibility of the media in reporting on sensitive geopolitical issues.

This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!

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