Is BBC’s Decision to Pull the Gaza Film Linked to Hamas Controversy?

The BBC has been asked to remove a documentary about children living in Gaza from BBC iPlayer after it was revealed that the film’s 13-year-old narrator, Abdullah, is the son of Ayman Alyazouri, a deputy agriculture minister in Gaza’s Hamas-run government.

The corporation stated that it only became aware of Abdullah’s family connection after the documentary aired on BBC Two on Monday at 9 P.M . A new disclaimer has now been added to the film, Gaza: How to Survive a Warzone, which reads:

“The narrator of this film is 13-year-old Abdullah. His father worked as a deputy agriculture minister for the Hamas-run government in Gaza. The production team had full editorial control over filming with Abdullah.”

BBC Pulls Gaza Documentary Amid Investigation

Initially, the program remained available for streaming, but it was removed from iPlayer on Friday morning as the BBC announced an investigation.

BBC pulls documentary after the revelation that narrator is a son of Hamas Government Official

The BBC removed the program from iPlayer following revelations made in a blog post by antisemitism researcher David Collier on Tuesday, which the Jewish Chronicle later reported.

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy addressed the issue on Thursday, stating that she would discuss it with the BBC’s director general and chairman, particularly regarding how the individuals featured in the documentary were selected.

In response to ongoing concerns, the BBC announced that it is conducting further due diligence with the production company. Until this review is complete, the program will remain unavailable on iPlayer.

BBC Under Scrutiny Over Gaza Documentary Narrator's Background

London-based production company Hoyo Films, which previously worked with the BBC on Ukraine: Enemy in the Woods, produced the Gaza documentary.

A group of 45 prominent Jewish journalists and media figures, including former BBC staff, signed a letter to BBC director general Tim Davie, demanding the film’s removal from iPlayer. They questioned whether the documentary violated Ofcom rules and raised concerns about due diligence and audience transparency.

BBC faces backlash over 'misinformation' claims after airing Hamas leader’s son

The letter, also sent to senior BBC executives, asked if the BBC knew that the 13-year-old narrator, Abdullah Alyazouri, is the son of a senior official in Gaza’s Hamas-run government. It questioned why this was not disclosed to audiences and what vetting processes were conducted. The signatories also inquired whether Abdullah’s parents signed a release, if any Hamas members were paid, and whether Hamas' permission was required to make the film. 

In response, the BBC acknowledged the omission of details and committed to adding more context before any future broadcasts. It stated that all usual compliance procedures were followed but that the independent producers had not disclosed this information before the film aired.

BBC Faces Backlash 

Following Hamas’ October 2023 attack, over 48,000 Palestinians have died, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. The group is now releasing hostages under a ceasefire.

The International Centre of Justice for Palestinians defended the documentary, urging the BBC to resist pressure to remove first-hand Gaza accounts. Critics, including actress Tracy-Ann Oberman and ex-BBC executive Danny Cohen, claim it harms the BBC’s reputation, alleging links between featured children and Hamas.

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy pledged to discuss the issue with the BBC while reviewing its internal policies on Israel, Gaza, and antisemitism.