BBC issues apology over error in internal email addressing Hamas attacks anniversary

The BBC has apologised after describing Hamas's attacks on October 7 as an "escalation" in an internal email. The broadcaster's Audiences team sent an email yesterday, marking two years since Hamas launched an attack on Israel which killed 1,195 people and saw 251 taken hostage.

The team regularly sends audience data to BBC staff and in yesterday's email, it wrote: "As we reach the two-year anniversary of the escalations in the Israel-Gaza conflict, we asked UK audiences what they want and need from news coverage moving forward." It also featured a picture of Palestinian women and children walking through rubble in Gaza.

The full audience overview read: "On October 7th, 2023, the conflict between Palestine and Israel reached a new escalation when Hamas attacked southern Israel, killing 1,200 and taking over 200 hostages. In response, Israel launched a prolonged military campaign in Gaza, resulting in widespread destruction and a humanitarian crisis.

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"Over the following months, ceasefire efforts stalled, global pressure intensified, and civilian casualties continued to rise, sparking worldwide protests and diplomatic tensions."

They added: "In September 2025, the UK government announced its formal recognition of the State of Palestine, shortly before the two-year anniversary of the Hamas attack. This moment presents both a challenge and an opportunity for BBC journalists in how they continue to cover the conflict for our audiences. Read on for an overview of our latest insight on what UK audiences are looking for from coverage two years on."

A spokesperson for the BBC told The Mirror: "This internal staff email should have been worded differently and we’re sorry for any offence caused. We are editing it and will replace the text on our intranet."

The article was regarding current audience attitudes to the Israel-Gaza conflict and was one of many updates that are regularly sent by the Audiences team. The Mirror understands that the email should have referred to 'attacks' rather than 'escalations'.

Earlier this year, the BBC spoke out after it did not broadcast Hozier's performance at Reading Festival in which he delivered a passionate speech pledging his support for Palestine, rap group Kneecap and equality.

The statement read: “Viewers can enjoy a wide range of performances and highlights from Reading and Leeds Festival on BBC iPlayer, BBC Music’s YouTube channel, BBC One and Radio 1. As mutually agreed ahead of Reading Festival, Hozier chose not to be included in the BBC’s coverage.”

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