BBC portrayals of the topic usually include the narrative seen in a frequently reused
backgrounder on Jerusalem produced by Yolande Knell in which audiences were led to believe that a Palestinian capital in “east Jerusalem” is an already agreed component of the two-state solution rather than a topic to be discussed in final status negotiations.
“Of course, Palestinians see things starkly differently. They want east Jerusalem as their capital.
And that’s part of the long-standing international formula for peace here, known as the “two-state solution”.
Knell also portrayed the two-state solution in terms that dovetail with
the PLO’s interpretation of that term.
“Basically the idea that an independent Palestinian state would be created alongside Israel, along the boundaries that existed before 1967, it’s written up in UN resolutions.” [emphasis added]
Of course the prime motivation behind Palestinian claims to a capital in the parts of Jerusalem occupied by Jordan between 1948 and 1967 is control over Temple Mount but the BBC repeatedly fails to adequately clarify that important point to its audiences.
Neither does it bother to inform them of the Palestinian Authority’s record on upholding agreements it has already signed with Israel regarding other holy places.
Under the terms of the
Oslo Accords, freedom of access to and worship at holy sites was
guaranteed.
“The agreement guarantees freedom of access to and freedom of worship at the holy sites, and defines access arrangements for the holy places located in Areas “A” and “B”. With regard to Rachel’s Tomb in Bethlehem and Joseph’s Tomb in Nablus, special arrangements are set out in the agreement which will also guarantee freedom of access and freedom of worship.”
(full article online)
The BBC’s narrative on ‘East Jerusalem’ omits relevant context
