No Gaza appeal on the BBC

Much has been made of the BBC's decision not to air an appeal for humanitarian aid by the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC). [It was discussed at length by many of the speakers at the recent United for Gaza event at the University, as mentioned by us here.]

The main argument for airing the appeal, as outlined on the TUC's blog, is that providing humanitarian aid is not taking sides. No matter who is responsible, or the justice and legality of either sides actions, the plight of the people of Gaza is deplorable. There is an urgent need for food and medicine, two resources which have been cut off since before this recent military campaign began.

The members of the DEC are:

* ActionAid
* British Red Cross
* CAFOD
* Care International
* Christian Aid
* Concern
* Help the Aged
* Islamic Relief
* Merlin
* Oxfam
* Save the Children
* Tearfund
* World Vision

If these 13 internationally respected charities believe that the cause is worthy of a focused campaign I fail to see how the BBC could possibly justify an argument that airing an appeal would be taking sides. When it comes to humanitarian aid there are no sides, there are only people who need help. The BBC should remember that.

You can donate to the DEC Gaza appeal here.

There is an online petition aimed at the BBC.