More than 100 demonstrators surrounded the BBC’s Oxford offices last night to protest against the corporation’s refusal to promote an appeal for people in Gaza.

The broadcaster has refused to run an appeal from the Disasters Emergency Committee because it says it would harm its reputation for impartiality in covering the conflict between Israel and Palestinian group Hamas in Gaza.

Rival news organisation Sky has followed suit.

The Disasters Emergency Committee, an organisation of 13 major aid charities including the British Red Cross, Save the Children and Oxfam, wanted an appeal to be broadcast on TV and radio. It is trying to raise millions of pounds for people in need of food, medicines and shelter following Israel's three-week assault on the Palestinian territory.

Campaigners at last night’s protest, which followed several recent vigils in the city centre, waved banners and flags outside BBC Oxford in Banbury Road, Summertown.

Organiser Tony Richardson, from Abingdon Road, Oxford, said the demo was part of protests around the UK.

He added: “The BBC have a duty to provide balanced coverage.

“They think by showing pictures of Palestinians followed by quotes from Israeli spokespeople they are giving a balanced account.

But it just looks like they are justifying what is going on.”