BBC responds to criticism over its decision not to label Hamas as terrorists

The BBC is facing criticism for its decision not to refer to Hamas militants as "terrorists" in its coverage of the recent attacks in Israel. UK Defence Secretary Grant Shapps has called this policy "verging on disgraceful," while other politicians have also expressed their disagreement. The BBC has defended its position, explaining that its reporters refrain from using the term unless quoting someone else. It is a long-standing policy to maintain impartiality and avoid taking sides. The BBC argues that it takes language use seriously and uses the term "terrorist" when attributed to others, such as the UK government. The broadcaster's director of editorial policy and standards, David Jordan, emphasizes the need for trust in the BBC's information and a perception of impartiality. Other news broadcasters, such as Sky News and ITN, allow their newsrooms to decide on a case-by-case basis whether to use the term "terrorist" when referring to Hamas militants. The ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict has resulted in numerous casualties, and both sides have engaged in violent actions. The BBC's editorial guidelines suggest using descriptive terms like "bomber," "attacker," or "militant" to provide a detailed understanding of the events instead of using the label "terrorist," which some argue may hinder comprehension.