The BBC has changed the headline on its story about Wednesday night’s attacks on Israel after the Board of Deputies angrily complained about its “appalling” stance on the issue.
Last night Hamas fired over 150 rockets into Southern Israel, injuring three and forcing tens of thousands of civilians to seek refuge in bomb shelters. In response, Israel targeted Hamas military compounds and training camps.
The BBC’s original headline was “Israeli air strikes ‘kill woman and toddler’”, with no mention of the rocket attacks which came before the strikes.
On Thursday morning, the Board of Deputies tweeted: “Appalling @BBCNews headline after Israel responded to *150* rockets fired at its towns by terrorists while families were asleep. We have complained and you should too”, including a link to the BBC complaints page.
Appalling @BBCNews headline after Israel responded to *150* rockets fired at its towns by terrorists while families were asleep. We have complained and you should too https://t.co/i6OG9wlOrI #EndBBCbias #IsraelUnderFire pic.twitter.com/KTeRiimQ6E
— Board of Deputies of British Jews (@BoardofDeputies) August 9, 2018
The BBC subsequently changed its headline to “Gaza airstrikes ‘kill woman and child’ after rockets hit Israel”.
The Board subsequently said this headline was "better... but it’s still an inversion".
"Israel’s cities were struck by 150 rockets, sending tens of thousands in to shelters. Surely the headline should reflect this,” it said.
Since our complaint, @BBCNews has made its headline a bit better, but it’s still an inversion. Israel’s cities were struck by 150 rockets, sending tens of thousands in to shelters. Surely the headline should reflect this. #IsraelUnderAttack #StopBBCBias pic.twitter.com/ZjW3m1o8cC
— Board of Deputies of British Jews (@BoardofDeputies) August 9, 2018
A statement from the Israeli Defence Forces said: “Tonight, IDF fighter jets targeted over 20 terror sites in military compounds and in a Hamas training camp. Among the sites targeted were a weapons manufacturing and storage facility, a complex used for the Hamas' naval force, and a military compound used for rocket launching experiments.
“Additionally, five training camps were targeted as well as a main warehouse and a meeting point used by the senior commanders of the Khan Yunis Brigade. Thus far, over 140 of Hamas' strategic military sites have been targeted.
“The strike was conducted in response to the rockets launched from Gaza at Israel throughout the night. We are determined to secure the safety of Israelis, are on high alert and prepared for a variety of scenarios. Hamas is responsible and bears the consequences for the ongoing events.”
A BBC spokesperson said: "“Although the original headline was not factually incorrect, we updated it to add more context to the story.”
