Sky News joins BBC in refusal to broadcast Gaza charity fundraising appeal

London: Sky News has joined the BBC in refusing to broadcast an emergency fundraising appeal for people in the Gaza Strip.

Executives at the British-based news channel announced the decision on Monday after a weekend in which rival BBC faced numerous protests for its decision not to air the appeal.

The ad has been submitted for broadcast by the Disaster Emergency Committee, a group of charities that includes well known agencies including the Red Cross, Oxfam and Save the Children.

Protesters say the humanitarian appeal must be shown to help Palestinians in desperate need after the recent heavy fighting in Gaza.

Broadcasters worry they will be seen as taking sides in the conflict between Israel and Hamas, which rules Gaza, if they show it.

That is a shame, they should air the advertisement, as it is the innocent Palestinians who are in need of help at the moment! And they could always air the other if the Israel needed the same kind of help There is no point of making an excuse of being seen as taking sides.
A. S. K.
Dubai,UAE
Posted: January 27, 2009, 14:33