The BBC has been accused of "being complicit in denying humanitarian aid" to the people of Gaza after refusing to broadcast an appeal for emergency funds.

Director general Mark Thompson is coming under increasing pressure to allow the screening of the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) film.

He yesterday turned down an appeal from the International Development Secretary Douglas Alexander to reverse his decision not to show the appeal, fearing it could compromise the broadcaster's impartiality.

Today health minister Ben Bradshaw claimed the decision was "inexplicable", while the Muslim Council for Britain said it would "severely jeopardise efforts to raise millions" for the aid effort.

“In sabotaging the DEC appeal broadcast, the BBC is clearly acting against the public interest," said a spokesman.

"As custodians of the public trust in the BBC its Governors must act immediately to avoid the blame of being complicit in denying humanitarian aid to the desperate people of Gaza.”

The pressure increased further today when rival broadcaster ITV announced today it would show the appeal.

A spokesman said: “After careful consideration, and in consultation with other networks, a common consensus has been reached by the majority of broadcasters and as a result ITV will broadcast a DEC appeal.”

Former minister Tony Benn also criticised the BBC's stance, adding that it was "denying the aid agencies money they desperately need". He is set to join a protest outside Broadcasting House later today.

Previous television and radio appeals by the DEC have raised millions of pounds to help those caught up in war or affected by natural disasters in countries such as Burma and the Congo.

The organisation is made up charities including g Action Aid, the British Red Cross, Christian Aid, Help the Aged, Islamic Relief, Oxfam and Save the Children.

Mr Benn told the Today programme: “I never thought I would live to see (the BBC) refuse to broadcast a humanitarian appeal on the grounds that it was controversial. I know why it is - because (Tzipi) Livni, the Israeli Foreign Minister, has said there is no humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

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