Gaza Filmmakers Criticize BBC After Award-Winning Documentary's Delay

The documentary "Gaza: Doctors Under Attack" won the BAFTA TV Award in the current affairs category. The film was originally commissioned by the BBC but was not aired by them. The BBC cited concerns over partiality as the reason for shelving the project. It was later broadcast by Channel 4.

During the acceptance speech, the filmmakers criticized the BBC's decision. Executive producer Ben de Pear directly questioned the broadcaster. Journalist Ramita Navai stated that the BBC paid for the investigation but refused to show it. She dedicated the award to Palestinian medical workers held in Israeli prisons.

The documentary features firsthand accounts from Palestinian health workers in Gaza. Navai reported that over 1,700 Palestinian doctors and healthcare workers have been killed. She also stated that more than 400 have been detained during the conflict. The BBC reportedly edited parts of her remarks from its televised broadcast.

The BBC originally commissioned the film from Basement Films over a year ago. The broadcaster delayed its release while reviewing another Gaza-related documentary. The corporation stated that impartiality remains a core principle of BBC News. The film was subsequently acquired and broadcast by Channel 4 in July.

After the ceremony, de Pear praised Gazan journalists Jaber Badwan and Osana Al Ashi. He mentioned the team feared for the safety of the journalists on the ground. The award was presented at London's Royal Festival Hall. The BAFTA ceremony was aired on BBC One with a delay of more than two hours.