6:11pm UK, Saturday January 24, 2009
Thousands of people have joined in a protest against the BBC's decision not to broadcast an appeal for emergency funds for Gaza.
Tony Benn delivered a letter of protest to the BBC
Former Government minister Tony Benn was one of the people attending the Stop The War march.
"I never thought I would live to see (the BBC) refuse to broadcast a humanitarian appeal on the grounds that it was controversial," he said.
Tzipi Livni
"I know why it is - because (Tzipi) Livni, the Israeli Foreign Minister, has said there is no humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
"The BBC raised £10m for the Congo and £18m for Burma. That decision is denying the aid agencies money they desperately need. People are dying in Gaza. There's an absolute crisis in Gaza."
Palestinian authorities say more than 1,300 people died during Israel's offensive.
The condemnation came after BBC director general Mark Thompson turned down a request from International Development Secretary Douglas Alexander to reconsider his decision.
Mr Thompson said he was concerned that broadcasting the appeal to help Gazans in need of food and shelter might compromise the BBC's impartiality.
The BBC also expressed anxiety about whether any aid raised could be delivered effectively on the ground in Gaza.
However, ITV, and Channels 4 and 5 say they will broadcast the appeal. Sky is considering its position.
A spokesman for Sky said: "We have been in discussions with other broadcasters today and we continue to consider the DEC's request."
Earlier, health minister Ben Bradshaw said the state broadcaster's decision not to screen the appeal by the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) was "inexplicable".
The DEC is an umbrella organisation which includes Action Aid, British Red Cross, Cafod, Care International UK, Christian Aid, Concern Worldwide, Help the Aged, Islamic Relief, Merlin, Oxfam, and Save the Children.
Mr Bradshaw said the British Government is giving £25m to Gazan relief, and there was "no reason why there should be a problem getting the relief in."
He added: "I am afraid the BBC has to stand up to the Israeli authorities occasionally."
Thousands of Gazans are in need of food, shelter and medicine following the three-week Israeli military offensive.
And questions are being asked about Israel's apparent use of white phosphorus during the conflict.
Despite the substance being banned from use in civilian areas, Palestinian doctors say they have evidence of patients being burned by the chemical.