Prominent actors, directors, writers urge BBC to reinstate pulled documentary on Gaza

LONDON

A host of prominent actors, directors, and writers—including Gary Lineker, Riz Ahmed, and Miriam Margolyes—have signed an open letter calling on the BBC to reinstate a documentary Gaza: How to Survive a Warzone on iPlayer.

The documentary, which aired on BBC Two on Feb. 16, was removed from the streaming platform five days later while the broadcaster investigated concerns over the affiliations of some contributors.

The BBC said it had not been informed that one of the film’s key participants, 14-year-old Abdullah Al-Yazouri, is the son of Hamas’ deputy minister of agriculture.

The open letter, addressed to BBC Chairman Samir Shah, Director General Tim Davie, and Director of Content Charlotte Moore, urges the corporation to stand by the film, describing it as “an essential piece of journalism” offering a rare perspective on Palestinian children’s experiences.

It argues that removing the documentary amounts to “politically motivated censorship” rather than a legitimate editorial decision.

The letter has amassed more than 450 signatures in less than 24 hours.

Among those backing the call are actors Ruth Negga, Benedict Wong, Khalid Abdalla, India Amarteifio, Indira Varma, Juliet Stevenson, Asim Chaudhry, and Miriam Margolyes, as well as directors Ken Loach, Mike Leigh, and Sally El Hosaini.

Writers Ronan Bennett, Hanif Kureishi, Paul Laverty, and Max Porter have also signed.

This follows a separate letter from over 170 Jewish signatories last week, including Leigh and Margolyes, urging the BBC to resist pressure to remove the documentary.

The BBC has not yet indicated whether the documentary will return to iPlayer.