Hamas’s 2017 Document: A History of Misrepresentation and Misinformation
In May 2017, Hamas released a policy document that generated considerable attention and subsequent misinterpretation. While the BBC initially reported accurately that the document did not replace the group’s 1988 charter and only accepted a Palestinian state within 1967 borders as a stepping stone towards the "liberation" of all historical Palestine, other BBC reporting falsely portrayed it as a “new charter” signifying a softening of Hamas’s stance towards Israel. This mischaracterization, propagated by various BBC journalists, erroneously suggested that Hamas had abandoned its call for Israel’s destruction and embraced a two-state solution.
This narrative, however, directly contradicted the document’s explicit statement that Hamas did not recognize Israel’s right to exist and continued to advocate violence against it. Furthermore, Hamas leaders subsequently clarified their position, reaffirming their claim to all of historical Palestine. Despite these clarifications, the inaccurate portrayal of the 2017 document persisted, finding its way into mainstream discourse and shaping public perception of Hamas’s position.
The BBC’s failure to correct this misinformation allowed it to spread unchecked. Despite having initially reported accurately on the document, the organization did not address the subsequent misrepresentations by its own journalists. This inaction allowed the false narrative of a Hamas policy shift to gain traction, hindering efforts to accurately assess the group’s ideology and intentions. The consequences of this journalistic lapse extended beyond mere inaccuracy; it actively contributed to a distorted understanding of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Oliver McTernan and the Perpetuation of Disinformation
The consequences of this misinformation were amplified by Oliver McTernan, director of the British charity Forward Thinking, who became a frequent commentator on the BBC. McTernan repeatedly echoed the false claims about the 2017 document, portraying it as a sign of Hamas’s willingness to accept a two-state solution and downplaying their commitment to Israel’s destruction. He also employed the misleading narrative of separate "wings" within Hamas, attempting to distinguish between a political and a militant faction, despite the organization’s unified structure and ideology.
McTernan’s commentary extended beyond misrepresenting Hamas’s position. He also offered apologetics for the October 7, 2023 massacre in Israel, attributing it to a “lack of political progress” and the “frustration” caused by the supposed “siege” of Gaza. This narrative minimized the premeditated nature of the attacks and the horrific violence inflicted upon Israeli civilians. By framing the massacre as a reaction to political circumstances, McTernan effectively shifted blame away from Hamas and onto Israel.
The BBC’s continued reliance on McTernan as an expert, despite his demonstrably false claims and biased commentary, raised serious questions about their editorial judgment. The BBC, as a public broadcaster with a responsibility to provide accurate and impartial information, failed to vet McTernan’s credentials adequately or to challenge his misleading statements. This failure reflected a broader problem within the organization: a lack of rigorous fact-checking and a tendency to prioritize narrative over accuracy.
BBC’s Complicity in the Spread of Misinformation
The BBC’s repeated platforming of McTernan, despite his history of propagating disinformation, highlights a systemic failure within the organization. The BBC possesses established procedures for risk assessment and the correction of factual errors in live content. Therefore, they were aware of McTernan’s history of promoting false narratives concerning Hamas before inviting him to comment on the release of Israeli hostages in February 2025. This decision demonstrates a disregard for their own journalistic standards and a willingness to prioritize access to a commentator over the accuracy of information presented to their audience.
The BBC’s failure to challenge McTernan’s misleading statements during his appearances further exacerbated the issue. Instead of holding him accountable for spreading disinformation, they allowed him to perpetuate the false narrative of Hamas’s supposed moderation and acceptance of a two-state solution. This inaction reinforced the misperception among viewers and undermined efforts to achieve a nuanced understanding of the complex dynamics within Hamas and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Furthermore, the BBC’s failure to address its own internal inconsistencies in reporting on the 2017 document contributed to the broader confusion. While their initial reporting accurately reflected the document’s content, subsequent reports promoted a contradictory narrative. This discrepancy, left uncorrected, sowed confusion and allowed the inaccurate interpretation to take root.
The BBC’s handling of the 2017 Hamas document and the platforming of Oliver McTernan exemplify a troubling trend in media coverage of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. By failing to uphold its journalistic responsibility to provide accurate and impartial information, the BBC contributed to the spread of misinformation and hindered public understanding of a complex and sensitive issue. This case underscores the critical importance of rigorous fact-checking, critical analysis, and a commitment to correcting errors, particularly when dealing with contentious political topics. The consequences of neglecting these journalistic principles can be far-reaching, perpetuating harmful stereotypes and undermining the pursuit of informed public discourse.
