BBC Stops Referring to Hamas as ‘Militants’ After Criticism

The Board of Deputies of British Jews said on Oct. 20 that the BBC had agreed to a policy change.

A pedestrian is reflected in the glass facade while walking past the BBC Headquarters at the Broadcasting House in central London on Oct. 6, 2022. Justin Tallis/AFP via Getty Images

The BBC will no longer refer to Hamas as “militants” by default after facing criticism for its coverage of the ongoing Israel–Hamas conflict.

The public broadcaster has previously refused to refer to Hamas as terrorists, instead using the terms “bomber, attacker, gunman, kidnapper, insurgent, and militant” despite the group’s attacks on Israel.