The BBC Arabic Service, which reaches 35 million viewers weekly, is being accused of harboring staff who sympathize with Hamas and glorify terrorism. Funded by British taxpayers to promote liberal values, the service has instead allegedly become a platform for radical views.
A recent report reveals that several BBC Arabic staff expressed open support for Hamas after the October 7 massacre. Correspondent Sally Nabil liked posts calling the attack “a proud scene.” Salma Khattab endorsed a tweet labeling Hamas killers “freedom fighters.” Senior producer Mahmoud Sheleib downplayed the killing of Israeli children, claiming Israel has “no civilian youth.” None of these staff members seemed concerned about making their views public, despite BBC policies.
The service’s coverage of the Israel-Hamas war has been widely criticized for inaccuracy. In just five months, it was forced to issue 80 corrections. A 2021 scandal involved a reporter tweeting “HitlerWasRight,” leading to their dismissal.
Regular guest Abdel Bari Atwan, who praised anti-Israel terror and expressed joy at the idea of an Iranian attack on Israel, continues to be featured.
Despite political pressure—Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has called for “wholesale reform” and the government’s antisemitism advisor has offered training, which was rejected—BBC management has made little change.
Critics demand that those who publicly supported the October 7 massacre, such as Nabil, Khattab, and Sheleib, be fired. They also suggest appointing a non-Arab to lead the service and hiring Arabic-speaking Jews, Copts, and Maronites to ensure balanced reporting.
Proposed programming reforms include shows hosted by Jews from Arab countries and Israeli Arabs to counter anti-Israel myths, and features on minority groups across the Arab world. Only a complete overhaul, critics argue, can restore the BBC Arabic Service’s credibility.