The Complainant states that the 22:00 e-tv news bulletin of the 6th October 2004 contravened clause television34.1 and 34.2 of the Code in that the broadcast was biased, the broadcast was anti-semitic, the broadcast was unbalanced, the broadcast was distorted, and exaggerated. 

It is trite knowledge that Israel and Palestine are engaged in a state of war in the Middle East.  It is general knowledge that Israel is occupying Gaza.  The news report related to a resolution sponsored by Algeria in the United Nations Security Council demanding the withdrawal of Israel from Gaza.  The United Stated of America vetoed the resolution. The news item was prefaced by footage depicting the aftermath of a previous Israel raid into Gaza This footage contextually formed an integral part of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The footage was neither sensational nor gratuitous. In our view there was no bias in the news item in favour of Palestine or against Israel, the news item was factually correct and balanced. The Complaint is dismissed.