I did not know that the BBC refused to call Hamas terrorists. I found out when they reported it. As soon as I saw the headline 'BBC defends policy not to call Hamas 'terrorists' after criticism',  I was shocked. I loved the BBC. This did not feel right; in my bones I knew it was wrong and I needed to do something about it. I knew others would feel the same. That you'd feel the same. So I started this petition. It needs your support, so please sign and share. History needs you, words matter.  

This petition urges the BBC to label Hamas a terrorist group, in the same vein as it ha labelled the following 'terrorists' 'terror group',' terrorist organisation' or causes of 'terror' or 'terror attack' - Islamic State,  Al Quaeda, 9/11 Hijackers, events of September 11 ,7/7 suicide bombers, Manchester Arena suicide bomber, Westminster Attack, Islamic State Khurasan Province and Charlie Hebdo killers. 

In a world that thrives on information, the media holds immense power. Their narratives broadcast shape public opinions, influence policies, and have the potential to drive real change - positive and negative. In times of crisis, the BBC is meant to stand as a beacon of reliable and impartial news. Its global reach and reputation, makes it a trusted source for 364 million worldwide. 

However, with great power comes great responsibility. The terminology and labels used by the BBC, like other news organisations, carries weight. It captures not only the social discourse but its reporting becomes the international archive of key moments in history. History is happening today. 

(The below video from CNN's Youtube page shares some details of the horror inflicted by terrorists Hamas. Warning it contains graphic and distressing images. Not suitable for children.)

On 7th October 2023, without discrimination Hamas brutally murdered civilians with the intention of creating as much terror, destruction and cruelty. Their heinous acts impacted the most vulnerable of society, babies, grandparents, music festival goers - everyday civilians, infants asleep in their cots, teenagers hiding in their cars, or families escaping in safe rooms. They murdered, raped, tortured and burnt people alive. They used victims' social media accounts to broadcast their murders, and they celebrated death after death after death. Then to inflict further harm, they kidnapped families - babies as young as 9 months, holding captive over 200 people from over 20 countries. If this happened in America, the UK, Australia or New Zealand, there would be zero debate about such atrocities. This was not a military fight, this was direct targeting of civilians. This was TERROR IN IT’S PUREST FORM. Hamas is - a ‘terrorist group’ and as such need to be labelled correctly. Yet, the BBC REFUSE to label Hamas a ‘terrorist group’. 

At first, the BBC were dogmatic.  They stood behind the positioning publishing two articles - An article featured in the Arts and Culture section titled ‘BBC defends policy not to call Hamas ‘terrorists’ after criticism' and later, they doubled down with a second article  - 'Why BBC doesn’t call Hamas militants ‘terrorists’.  

The BBC have been criticised by the UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, leader of the opposition Keir Starmer. This is not a left or right issue, it’s an ethics and moral one. Protests have taken place outside the BBC, led by one of our partners Campaign Against Antisemitism and National Jewish Assembly, sending a clear public message - Hamas are terrorists.  

After weeks of debate, pleading, begging and urging, a meeting with BBC Director-General Tim Davie and The Board of Deputies of British Jews resulted in a shift on their policy. It was agreed that Hamas be referred to as either ‘Hamas’ or ‘a terrorist organisation proscribed by the UK government and others’.

The attribution “proscribed by the UK” feels intentionally caveated, a security blanket that simply does not report the cold hard truth. That truth being, Hamas murdered, severed, tortured, burnt, and kidnapped civilians. They are terrorists. They are the definition of ‘terrorists’ and should be titled ‘terrorists’ as such without additional justification.

Today, Hamas are holding more than 200 people hostage, 40 of whom are children. Their terror continues to haunt, and political terminology and legal jargon feels undeniably disrespectful to those directly impacted by the heinous crimes of Hamas. 

So BBC, we urge you again to call Hamas ‘terrorists’ or a ‘terror group’ as you have labeled Isis and al Qaeda.  Report this moment with the accuracy the archives of our collective history deserves.

Consistency counts.

Words Matter!

Do the right thing.

BBC, call Hamas what they are - ‘a terrorist group’.