Former Israeli prime minister Naftali Bennett claims BBC bias in reporting on Israel-Hamas conflict

Former Israeli prime minister Naftali Bennett has claimed the BBC has "taken a side" in the conflict with Hamas, suggesting it cares more about Palestinian lives than the state of Israel.

Former Israeli prime minister Naftali Bennett levelled allegations of bias against the BBC, claiming the broadcaster had "taken a side" in the Israel-Hamas conflict.

In an interview with Victoria Derbyshire on Sunday night, the former Israeli leader accused the BBC of caring more about the lives of Palestinians in Gaza than those killed when Hamas attacked Israel on October 7.

He highlighted the bombing of al-Ahli Baptist Hospital as an example of the bias, saying the broadcaster had "said that it was Israel, but it wasn't Israel," before going on to claim Ms Derbyshire had failed to ask about the welfare of Israeli civilians after the assault by Hamas.

"I understand that (the) BBC has taken a side, the Gazan side, because all your questions are about the Gazan civilians," Mr Bennett said.
"You haven't asked one question, you haven't asked one question about those children."

As Mr Bennett spoke, Ms Derbyshire attempted to cut him off, saying "that's not true," and attempted to remind the former prime minister she had begun the interview by asking about the Israeli hostages held by militants in Gaza.

Despite this, Mr Bennett continued, saying "it appears you care little about our side," and demanding Ms Derbyshire asked him about the "babies that were murdered" in the attacks.

"You keep on caring about only one side, but that is the BBC way," he claimed.

"If you think there's a balance here between two equal sides, then you are lacking moral clarity and the BBC, I must say, is lacking moral clarity.
"What you guys did last week, shame on you."

Mr Bennett launched into the explosive rant after being read part of the Geneva Convention, an international charter which lays out the rules of war.

Israel has cut off all supply of water, food and power to Gaza over the past weeks, an act which has led to accusations of collective punishment - an outcome that would be in violation of the convention.

The Israeli government has flatly rejected those allegations, arguing they are a necessary part of its effort to destroy Hamas.

Read the full article at SkyNews.com.