BBC changes Gaza headline following Board of Deputies complaint
Jewish representative body brands initial headline 'appalling' and says the amended version is 'a bit better, but it’s still an inversion' of the situation
An ‘appalling’ BBC headline about the recent escalation in violence between Israel and Gaza has been changed, following a complaint by the Board of Deputies.
Jewish community representatives complained to the broadcaster after an initial headline read “Israeli air strikes ‘kill woman and toddler.’
The Board took to Twitter saying: “Appalling BBCNews headline after Israel responded to *150* rockets fired at its towns by terrorists while families were asleep. We have complained and you should too”.
After bringing it to the BBC”s attention, the headline was altered to read “Gaza air strikes ‘kill woman and child’ after rockets hit Israel”.
The Board welcomed the change saying: “Since our complaint, BBC News has made its headline a bit better, but it’s still an inversion. Israel’s cities were struck by 150 rockets, sending tens of thousands in to shelters. Surely the headline should reflect this.”
A BBC spokesperson added: “Although the original headline was not factually incorrect, we updated it to add more context to the story”.
This comes after rockets were fired at southern Israeli communities in the last 24 hours, leading to a response from the IDF, which saw three killed in Gaza, including a Hamas terrorist.
Responding to the spate of violence overnight, president of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, Marie van der Zyl said she is “deeply concerned about the escalation of violence and the more than 150 rockets fired at Israel. I utterly condemn the ongoing rocket salvo from Hamas that has wounded more than 11 Israelis. Our strong commitment to the State of Israel’s right to defend its borders and civilians is uncompromising. My thoughts are with the families of the wounded and injured, including both the innocent Israelis and Palestinians caught up in this needless escalation by Hamas.”
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