With everything going on in the Middle East right now, why should we be focusing on something as simple as language? One of the most common phrases used to describe Hamas in the media is “militants” should that not be enough?

NO! Hard NO! 

And here is why - CIVILIANS. The intentional targeting of civilians! 

So what actually is the difference between a 'terrorist' and a 'militant'? 

A terrorist is an individual who uses violence, especially against civilians, to achieve political, religious, or ideological objectives, aiming to create lasting fear within a society. Their objective is not only to target everyday people but to create as much terror both during their attacks and afterwards. That’s why images of planes crashing into buildings, beheadings, baby kidnappings, or bombs at concert arenas are thought of as acts of terror, because not only are they heinous – they’re designed to inflict ongoing trauma.  A militant, on the other hand, is someone aggressively active in supporting or promoting a cause. While they may resort to violence, it is typically directed at combatant targets rather than civilians. The distinction often hinges on the targets and tactics employed.

Hamas have not only intentionally targeted civilians – concert goers, sleeping families, farmers, people on vacation, doctors, teachers and children – but they brutally and cruelly used evil acts of beheadings, mutilation, kidnapping, burning people alive, live streaming their crimes and sharing with victims’ family to inflict as much pain and suffering as possible. This is not a military act! This is not collateral damage! This is terrorism. 

To label them merely as 'militants' diminishes the gravity of their acts, masks the reality of their methods, and inadvertently legitimizes tactics that blatantly defy international norms and humanitarian laws. Words wield power, and in the global discourse on peace and security, it is our duty to ensure that we are unequivocal in our descriptions, bearing witness to the true nature of actions and holding entities accountable for their deeds.

We implore the BBC to revisit their Standards and Practice Policy, and to align their positioning with UK law that define Hamas as ‘terrorist’.

If you want to help make a difference to this campaign, the BEST thing you can do is to share it. If you know 10 people who may share similar values to you on this subject, we urge you to get them to sign. Put it on Facebook, X, TikTok, Whatsapp - the more we spread the word, the more chance we have of change.

Words matter! Let’s help the BBC document this moment in time accurately.