Samer Elzaenen has appeared on the channel several times reporting on the conflict
| Published April 27, 2025
UK broadcaster attempts to distance itself from Samer Elzaenen, who has said shooting Jews ‘fixes everything,’ stating that he isn’t a staff member while disavowing antisemitism
A Gaza-based journalist named Samer Elzaenen, who has appeared on BBC Arabic since the onset of the Gaza conflict in October 2023, has come under scrutiny following the resurfacing of antisemitic social media posts. In a 2011 Facebook post, Elzaenen wrote: “We shall burn you as Hitler did, but this time we won’t have a single one of you left.” He also praised over 30 attacks on Israeli civilians, referring to perpetrators as “heroes” and “martyrs.”
According to the British newspaper, Elzaenen has praised over 30 separate terror attacks against Israeli civilians, including a February 2023 car-ramming attack that killed two boys and a 20-year-old man in Jerusalem.
The victims, he said at the time, “will soon go to hell.”
In the aftermath of the October 7 assault, in which some 1,200 people were killed, mostly civilians, and 251 were seized as hostages, Elzaenen praised the Hamas “resistance fighters” who led the onslaught.
The BBC has stated that Elzaenen is not a staff member but a freelance contributor, and they were unaware of his social media activity prior to his appearances on air. The broadcaster emphasized its commitment to impartial journalism and disavowed antisemitism.
This incident adds to ongoing concerns about bias within BBC Arabic. In March 2025, UK Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch called for reforms to the channel, citing accusations of antisemitism and anti-Israel bias. The Committee for Accuracy in Middle East Reporting and Analysis (CAMERA) has criticized BBC Arabic for allegedly providing a platform to extremists and presenting biased views unchallenged.
Illustrative: Protesters holding placards and Israeli flags join a gathering outside the headquarters of the BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation) in London on October 16, 2023, to appeal to the corporation to call Hamas ‘terrorists.’ (Daniel Leal/AFP)
The controversy has intensified debates about the BBC’s editorial standards and its role in reporting on the Israel–Hamas conflict. Media watchdogs and political figures are urging the broadcaster to address these issues to maintain credibility and uphold journalistic integrity.
Here are the key implications of the controversy surrounding Samer Elzaenen’s antisemitic posts and his appearances on BBC Arabic:
For BBC and Media Ethics
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Credibility and Trust Issues:
The resurfacing of Elzaenen’s posts threatens BBC Arabic’s credibility, as it raises concerns about editorial oversight, especially regarding contributors with controversial views. The BBC may face growing skepticism about its impartiality in covering sensitive topics like the Israel–Hamas conflict. -
Calls for Reforms:
This controversy could fuel calls for reforms within BBC Arabic and other international broadcasters to ensure stricter vetting of contributors, particularly those with a history of extremist views. Such scrutiny could extend to other media outlets as well. -
Increased Pressure on BBC Leadership:
The BBC will likely come under political and public pressure to take more stringent action against contributors who engage in hate speech or biased rhetoric. This could lead to internal reviews or even changes in editorial policies.
For Middle East Reporting
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Impact on Coverage of Israel–Hamas Conflict:
The controversy over Elzaenen’s posts could complicate the reporting on the Israel–Hamas conflict, as BBC Arabic might be accused of showing bias against Israel. This could undermine public confidence in news from the region, particularly in Arab media outlets. -
Polarization of Coverage:
This situation further polarizes Middle Eastern reporting, where the alignment of media outlets with political ideologies or factions may affect the objectivity of coverage, especially in highly charged conflicts like the ongoing Israel–Hamas war.
For Global Antisemitism Awareness
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Rising Concerns Over Antisemitism in Media:
The controversy adds to global concerns about antisemitism in media outlets, especially in the context of reporting on the Israel–Hamas conflict. Public and political figures may demand greater accountability from media outlets, particularly those in international forums like the BBC. -
International Backlash Against Hate Speech:
The resurfacing of these posts could prompt calls from international watchdogs, governments, and Jewish advocacy organizations for tougher standards on antisemitism. Media platforms may face stronger scrutiny for providing a platform to individuals with a history of promoting hate speech.
For Political and Diplomatic Relations
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Political Backlash in the UK:
UK political figures, particularly those in the Conservative Party, may leverage this incident to push for reform within the BBC, citing concerns about antisemitism. This could further deepen partisan divisions and increase scrutiny of the BBC’s editorial policies. -
Impact on Relations with Middle Eastern Countries:
The controversy could have diplomatic ramifications, as countries in the Middle East may perceive the BBC’s handling of the situation as either an endorsement of or a failure to confront biases. This could affect the BBC’s access and relationship with regional governments and audiences.
For Social Media and Accountability
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Increased Focus on Social Media Vetting:
The case emphasizes the importance of thorough social media checks for journalists, particularly those contributing to high-profile media outlets. There could be an industry-wide push for more transparency and accountability regarding the views of freelancers and contributors. -
Potential for Social Media Scrutiny:
As this case unfolds, there could be greater scrutiny of journalists’ past social media activity, especially those in conflict zones. This could lead to a broader cultural shift around personal responsibility for past online behavior.
Overall Takeaway
The controversy surrounding Samer Elzaenen’s antisemitic social media posts and his appearances on BBC Arabic highlights significant challenges for media outlets in maintaining editorial integrity and impartiality. The incident has raised concerns about bias in reporting on sensitive topics like the Israel–Hamas conflict and has intensified calls for greater scrutiny of freelance contributors. As pressure mounts on the BBC to address these issues, the broader media landscape may face increasing demands for accountability in handling contributors with extremist views. This controversy also underscores the growing need for social media vetting in journalism, particularly for those involved in high-profile international platforms, as the line between personal beliefs and professional responsibility becomes harder to ignore.
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