Row over broadcasters' refusal to air Gaza aid ad

A row has erupted in Britain over the refusal of both the BBC and Sky News to air an emergency appeal for Gaza.

Both broadcasters have refused to air the appeal from the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) - an umbrella organisation for 13 humanitarian aid agencies including the British Red Cross, Save the Children and Oxfam - because of concerns about impartiality.

Other UK broadcasters ITV, Channel 4 and Five will show the televised appeal.

John Ryley, head of Sky News, said: "We have concluded that broadcasting an appeal for Gaza at this time is incompatible with our role in providing balanced and objective reporting of this continuing situation.”

BBC director-general Mark Thompson defended the corporation’s decision saying it was “passionate” about defending its impartiality.

The BBC said 15,500 complaints had been received about its decision, while a parliamentary motion urging the corporation to screen the appeal has been backed by more than 50 MPs.