BBC journalist John Ware has claimed the corporation often scrutinises Israel far more closely than the Palestinians in its coverage of the Middle East conflict.

The award-winning investigative journalist, who worked on the BBC public affairs programme Panorama from 1986 to 2012, said: "I think there have been problems with the BBC's coverage. I think it has got it wrong sometimes, but it has improved.

"It's a very complex conflict. You are required to put yourself into each side's head and report how each side sees the other without showing your slip - and that is not easy."

Mr Ware, who was speaking at the Wizo Commitment Awards event on Monday night , added: "I do think there is a deficit - and it's a point I have often made to the BBC.

"Western media outlets as a whole, do not [look at] the individuals and culture of the Palestinian side of the conflict anything like the same extent the Israeli side is scrutinised.

"If it was dealt with, people would have a much better understanding of the more polarised positions that people think the Israelis take."

Mr Ware was presented with the Wizo Media Award by JC editor Stephen Pollard at the event in London. Mr Pollard told the 150-strong audience: "There are reporters, good journalists and there is John Ware. He is a font of knowledge, he is trustworthy, he is reliable, he does all his research. Apart from being the most brilliant journalist that I am aware of in this country, John is also a mensch."

Another winner, recognised by Wizo for their charitable work and contribution to the Jewish community, was volunteer Orli Shoshana West, who received the Commitment to the Betterment of Others Award for 16-25-year-olds. Avi Djanogly, director of the GabiH20 water efficiency company, received the Commitment to Environmental Innovation Award. Netbuddy website founder Deborah Gundle received the Commitment to High Tech Award after setting up the resource for families, carers and professionals who support people with learning difficulties.

Bristol-based Interfaith group Salaam Shalom received the Commitment to Diversity and Tolerance Award. Fusion Gateways, a vocational development programme for young people with difficult backgrounds run by Laurence Field, received the Commitment to Education Award.

Chairman of the judges, Lord Young, said the commitment awards were appropriately named. He said no one equals the Jewish community in its desire to help those less fortunate than themselves. "It is something that is part of our background, our breeding, part of the very air that we breathe."

Businessman Claude Littner, an adviser on the BBC's Apprentice reality show, helped present the awards. He described the winners as "heroes who work selflessly for other people".

Key sponsor Dr Nissim Levy praised Wizo for helping to close the gap between the rich and poor in Israel.