Zeteo takes on BBC by releasing Gaza documentary after censorship

In Gaza, the conflict intensified following the October 7 attack by Hamas on Israel, leading to an extensive Israeli military campaign against Gaza. As the crisis unfolded, the humanitarian impact deepened, especially for healthcare workers operating under extreme conditions. The documentary Gaza: Doctors Under Attack, produced by Basement Films, was centered on the testimonies of Palestinian doctors, nurses, and paramedics confronting life-threatening scenarios while attempting to provide medical care amidst the war's devastation. Initially commissioned by the BBC, the film underwent scrutiny and was ultimately not aired due to perceived concerns of partiality, as stated by the BBC following a review related to its broader coverage of Israel and Gaza. In a significant turn of events, Mehdi Hasan's media startup Zeteo acquired the documentary, framing its acquisition as a move to uphold editorial independence and provide a platform for underreported stories. This decision sparked widespread discussion about media impartiality and the responsibilities of major broadcasting organizations, with critics arguing that by withdrawing from airing the documentary, the BBC was effectively silencing Palestinian voices and limiting public access to crucial narratives regarding wartime realities. Prominent figures in the film industry, including Susan Sarandon, joined over 600 others in an open letter expressing their concerns about censorship in media representations of the conflict. The documentary's release was celebrated as an important achievement, allowing the critical voices of medical professionals in Gaza to reach a global audience, ultimately highlighting the severe human toll of the military actions and the urgent need for transparency in reporting on such pressing issues.