In response to recent assertions made by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, the BBC has defended its reporting on the ongoing conflict in Gaza, addressing claims that it removed content related to casualties from a shooting incident near an aid distribution site. During a press briefing, Leavitt accused the BBC of taking information from Hamas concerning the number of fatalities, a claim the BBC deemed "completely wrong."
**BBC Upholds Integrity Against White House Claims on Gaza Reporting**

**BBC Upholds Integrity Against White House Claims on Gaza Reporting**
The BBC firmly refutes unfounded accusations from the White House regarding its coverage of the Gaza conflict, affirming its commitment to accurate journalism.
"The assertion that we took down a story after reviewing footage is false. We did not retract any story, and our journalistic practices remain intact and accurate," the BBC stated. Leavitt's comments pertained to an update in casualty figures, which the BBC has clarified were continually revised throughout the day in alignment with its standard procedure for fast-evolving news events. The network stressed that all figures were clearly cited, beginning with reports of 15 deaths provided by medics, escalating to the final statement of "at least 21" from the Red Cross.
The BBC reported conflicting accounts surrounding the incident in Rafah, where witnesses and NGOs claimed that civilians were shot while awaiting food aid. Israel's military, however, dismissed these allegations, asserting that its forces did not fire upon civilians. Compounding the situation, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) labeled these accounts as "outright fabrications."
Challenges persist for journalists operating in Gaza, as international media, including the BBC, face restrictions that hinder their ability to independently verify information within the territory. The ongoing military campaign by Israel, launched post-Hamas's attack on 7 October 2023, has dramatically escalated violence and casualties, with claims indicating over 54,000 fatalities since the conflict reignited.
In light of the White House's criticisms and the complexities of reporting from Gaza, the BBC concluded its statement by emphasizing the necessity for international journalists to gain unrestricted access, urging immediate support for their calls from media organizations worldwide.
The BBC reported conflicting accounts surrounding the incident in Rafah, where witnesses and NGOs claimed that civilians were shot while awaiting food aid. Israel's military, however, dismissed these allegations, asserting that its forces did not fire upon civilians. Compounding the situation, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) labeled these accounts as "outright fabrications."
Challenges persist for journalists operating in Gaza, as international media, including the BBC, face restrictions that hinder their ability to independently verify information within the territory. The ongoing military campaign by Israel, launched post-Hamas's attack on 7 October 2023, has dramatically escalated violence and casualties, with claims indicating over 54,000 fatalities since the conflict reignited.
In light of the White House's criticisms and the complexities of reporting from Gaza, the BBC concluded its statement by emphasizing the necessity for international journalists to gain unrestricted access, urging immediate support for their calls from media organizations worldwide.