Breaking News: The BBC has apologised for broadcasting chants of “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free” and “death to the IDF” from Glastonbury.
The BBC has issued an apology after pro-Palestinian chants, including calls for the destruction of Israel’s Defence Forces, were aired during live coverage of the Glastonbury Festival. The chants, reportedly heard during a performance by the band Rough Kicks on the Left Field stage, were broadcast on BBC iPlayer on Saturday evening. The Jerusalem Post reports the slogans included “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free” and “death to the IDF”.
The Daily Mail and The Sun also reported on the incident, highlighting viewer complaints. The Sun notes the broadcaster received hundreds of complaints immediately after the footage was aired. The Daily Telegraph states the BBC has removed the clip from its iPlayer service. A BBC spokesperson confirmed the broadcast was “unacceptable” and “should not have been aired”, according to The Jerusalem Post. Presenter Naga Munchetty was forced to address the incident on BBC News Sunday, stating the chants were “very hurtful”.
The Board of Deputies of British Jews condemned the chants as “vile antisemitism”, according to reporting in The Jerusalem Post. They argued the slogans represent a call for the eradication of the State of Israel and its Jewish population. Critics argue the BBC’s decision to broadcast the chants, even briefly, legitimises hate speech and demonstrates a bias against Israel.
The BBC has stated it is reviewing its procedures to prevent similar incidents from occurring. Further scrutiny of the Glastonbury Festival’s vetting process for performers is expected, as is debate over the boundaries of free speech versus incitement to violence.
Sources: The Sun, The Daily Telegraph, The Daily Mail, Fox News, The Jerusalem Post.
