More than 400 media figures call for BBC to sack board member over 'Israel links'

More than 400 media figures have called on the BBC to replace a board member over his alleged pro-Israel views, which they believe are skewing the public broadcaster's coverage of the war in Gaza.

The petition raises concerns about an alleged conflict of interest involving Robbie Gibb, a member of the BBC board, who is reportedly close to the pro-Israel UK-based Jewish Chronicle newspaper.

"For many of us, our efforts have been frustrated by opaque decisions made at senior levels of the BBC without discussion or explanation. Our failures impact audiences," the petition read.

"As an organisation, we have not offered any significant analysis of the UK government’s involvement in the war on Palestinians. We have failed to report on weapons sales or their legal implications. These stories have instead been broken by the BBC’s competitors."

The BBC, which the British license payer funds, has faced massive criticism for alleged bias toward Israel during the assault on Gaza that has killed at least 57,000 Palestinians, including axing documentaries highlighting the immense suffering caused by Israeli bombing, sniperfire, and starvation sieges.

The petition in particular criticised the board member, saying there appears to be an "inconsistent manner in which guidance is applied [which] draws into focus the role of Gibb, on the BBC Board and BBC’s editorial standards committee" and the broadcaster appears to be "crippled by the fear of being perceived as critical of the Israeli government".

Signatories include British Jewish comedians Alexei Sayle and Miriam Margolyes, as well as 111 BBC journalists, who signed the petition anonymously due to fears of repercussions from the broadcaster.

One point of criticism was the BBC's decision to drop the documentary 'Gaza: Doctors Under Attack', which reveals Israel's harrowing campaign targeting hospitals and medical workers.

The film will now be broadcast by Channel 4, leading to massive criticism of the BBC from the signatories, saying the broadcaster "demonstrates, once again... is not reporting ‘without fear or favour’ when it comes to Israel".

Other signatories of the letter include Mike Leigh, Khalid Abdalla, and William Dalrymple, who voiced concern about "concerns over opaque editorial decisions and censorship at the BBC on the reporting of Israel/Palestine”.

The BBC has targeted staff for voicing concern about the civilian death toll in Gaza, including Gary Lineker, who quit a high-paid role in the organisation.