London: Indian-origin journalist Karishma Patel has resigned from the BBC, citing the news organization’s biased reporting on the Gaza conflict. Patel, who left her role as a newsreader in October 2024, recently disclosed that her decision was influenced by the BBC’s failure to accurately cover the tragic death of six-year-old Palestinian girl Hind Rajab.
Patel revealed that she had twice pitched the story of Hind Rajab, who was trapped inside a car surrounded by the bodies of her slain relatives, but her team refused to run it. When the BBC eventually covered the incident, they used the phrase “found dead” instead of “murdered,” a choice of words that sparked criticism on social media.
Further concerns arose when the article concluded with a statement noting that “Israel has previously accused Hamas of using ambulances to transport its weapons and fighters.” Many readers perceived this as an attempt to justify Israeli actions while avoiding direct accountability for the child’s death.
By the time the BBC reported the incident, Israeli forces had already fired 300 rounds at the car, killing Hind Rajab. The news outlet’s delayed and cautious reporting drew widespread condemnation, especially after a chilling phone recording of Hind’s final moments went viral. Social media users criticized the BBC’s handling of the story, with some calling it “shameful” and lacking journalistic integrity.
