BBC apologises for internal language about 7 October on massacre anniversary
The Corporation sent an e-mail to staff apologising after a piece on the BBC staff intranet referred to 'the two-year anniversary of the escalations in the Israel-Gaza conflict'
The BBC has reportedly apologised for internal messaging sent today via the organisation’s intranet, which referred to 7 October 2025 as an “the two-year anniversary of the escalations in the Israel-Gaza conflict”, and featured a picture of subsequent destruction in Gaza rather than the mass-terror attack on Israel.
An article shared with BBC staff via the organisation’s internal “BBC Audiences” site was introduced with wording stating: “As we reach the two-year anniversary of the escalations in the Israel/Gaza conflict, we asked UK audiences what they want and need from news coverage moving forward.”
Jewish News understands that a picture of Gaza was used since the article itself was specifically on about current audience attitudes towards coverage of the conflict, rather than specifically about the attacks of 7 October.
Danny Cohen, a former director of BBC Television and Controller of BBC One, said:
“This is shocking but not surprising. It is another example of the everyday, institutional bias at the BBC. To call the 7 October terrorist massacre an ‘escalation’ is deeply offensive. It is the kind of language Hamas might use. One might also assume that on this day the picture used by the BBC would focus on Jewish victims of the 7 October pogrom. But the BBC’s instinctive bias meant that this was not the case, even on this day of mourning.”
A BBC staff member, who wished to remain anonymous, said:
“It is shocking that such a description of a one-sided atrocity is used in, of all things, a briefing about audience expectations from the BBC! It demonstrates – again – unconscious bias and terrible insensitivity towards Jewish staff.”
Adam Ma’anit, whose cousin Ma’ayan Idan was murdered on 7 October – her father Tsachi was taken hostage by Hamas and murdered in captivity – said: “To use that language and framing is incendiary and insulting. That this report was circulated today of all days speaks to an institutional bias within the BBC that is shocking and distressing. Does our pain not count?”
The BBC said: “this internal staff email should have been worded differently and we’re sorry for any offence caused. We are editing it and will replace the text on our intranet.”
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