New Gaza protest at BBC Scotland

Protesters gathered at BBC Scotland's headquarters for a second time

A second protest has been staged at BBC Scotland's headquarters over a decision by the corporation not to air an aid appeal for the people of Gaza.

About 50 protesters gathered outside the BBC's Pacific Quay building in Glasgow and called for director general Mark Thompson to resign over the issue.

The BBC has said showing the appeal, by the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC), would risk its impartiality.

But the stance has drawn criticism from politicians, charities and churches.

A demonstration at the corporation's Scottish headquarters on Sunday saw dozens of people occupy the building's foyer.

More than 1,300 Palestinians have been killed since Israel began its land, sea and air operations against Hamas militants on 27 December, including 400 children. More than a dozen Israelis have died.

The DEC, which represents more than a dozen aid agencies, is appealing for money to buy food, medicine and blankets after both sides announced a ceasefire.

It will be a permanent stain on the reputation of the BBC if it does not air the DEC appeal for Gaza Ghassan Hemsi Muslim Association of Britain

Donations to the DEC doubled to £1m after ITV, Channel 4 and Five showed its Gaza Crisis Appeal on Monday.

The broadcaster Sky, like the BBC, refused to shown the DEC appeal on the grounds that it did not want to be seen to be taking sides.

A spokesman for BBC Scotland said: "We are aware of strength of feelings on this issue and that there are other people who feel differently about it, however we cannot sacrifice our impartiality."

Protests have been held outside broadcasting house in London over the BBC's stance.

Speaking ahead of the protest, Ghassan Hemsi of the Muslim Association of Britain (Scotland), said: "The BBC claims that it cannot air the appeal if it is to remain impartial.

'Licence return'

"However, not airing the appeal means that it is taking sides.

"The BBC is acting as if some civilian casualties of wars, such as those in Rwanda in 1994, in Kosovo in 1999, and in Darfur in 2007 are worthy of assistance, and others, such as those suffering in Gaza in 2009, are not.

"It will be a permanent stain on the reputation of the BBC if it does not air the DEC appeal for Gaza."

Protesters have called for a "mass return of BBC licences to begin immediately" if the corporation does not change its stance.