BBC chief questioned by Tory MPs over media coverage of Israel-Gaza

Image source, PA Media

Conservative MPs questioned the BBC's director general over his coverage of the Middle East conflict.

Tim Davie attended a special meeting of Conservative MPs, which the BBC said was held in July as part of regular talks with politicians.

It is understood that the private meeting focused on the BBC's coverage of the war and migration between Israel and Gaza.

A BBC spokesperson said Mr Davie highlighted "why the institution is important" to MPs. An MP present told the BBC: "There is one thing today that has united all the backbenchers and that is a disagreement with the DG over the fact that Hamas is a terrorist organization and that the ability to say it."

Another described it as "a frank exchange of views."

Many conservative lawmakers and Israeli President Isaac Herzog were angered by the company's failure to call Hamas "terrorist."

Mr. Davie said the word was far from banned. but the company was careful to say who described someone as a terrorist. BBC reports regularly refer to Hamas as a terrorist organization banned by the British government.