Complaint
A listener complained that a caller to the programme, who was speaking about difficulties experienced by her family in Gaza, was asked to comment on the Hamas attacks of 7 October.聽 This gave the impression that Israeli actions in Gaza were justifiable, and contrasted with the treatment of an Israeli caller, who was not asked about Israel and violations of international law, settlements and other controversial matters. 聽The ECU considered the complaint in the light of the 麻豆社鈥檚 editorial standards of impartiality
Outcome
Inviting comment on the actions of Hamas did not imply endorsement of Israel鈥檚 response, and the invitation gave listeners an opportunity of insight into the view of Hamas taken by someone with close family ties to Gaza.聽 The other conversation cited by the complainant was with a survivor of the Hamas attack on a music festival.聽 It was appropriately focused on the survivor鈥檚 own experience, on which the issues mentioned by the complainant had no immediate bearing.聽 However, she was invited to comment on the Israeli response to the actions of Hamas, which, in this context, was broadly equivalent to the approach taken to the caller with family in Gaza.
Not Upheld