BBC criticized for avoiding Gaza appeal

LONDON, Jan. 24 (UPI) -- The BBC, along with the British broadcaster's director-general, should allow a humanitarian aid film about the Gaza Strip to be shown, officials say.

British Health Minister Ben Bradshaw and a Muslim Council for Britain spokesman said BBC Director-General Mark Thompson should reverse his decision not to screen a Disasters Emergency Committee film, The Times of London reported Saturday.

"In sabotaging the (Disaster Emergency Committee) appeal broadcast, the BBC is clearly acting against the public interest," the unidentified spokesman said.

"I think this was an inexplicable decision," Bradshaw offered.

Former British Minister of Technology Tony Benn also criticized the BBC's decision Friday about the film appeal, which rival network ITV has agreed to show.

"I never thought I would live to see (the BBC) refuse to broadcast a humanitarian appeal on the grounds that it was controversial. I know why it is -- because (Tzipi) Livni, the Israeli foreign minister, has said there is no humanitarian crisis in Gaza," Benn said.