LONDON - The UK-based Sky News channel joined the BBC yesterday in refusing to broadcast an emergency fund-raising appeal for people living in the Gaza Strip.

LONDON - The UK-based Sky News channel joined the BBC yesterday in refusing to broadcast an emergency fund-raising appeal for people living in the Gaza Strip.

Executives at the international satellite broadcaster said they made the decision after a weekend of deliberations to protect the impartiality of the station's news report.

"The conflict in Gaza forms part of one of the most challenging and contentious stories for any news organisation to cover," said Sky News director John Ryley.

"Our commitment as journalists is to cover all sides of that story with uncompromising objectivity."

The advert was submitted for broadcast by the Disaster Emergency Committee, a group of charities that includes the Red Cross, Oxfam and Save the Children.

Protesters say the humanitarian appeal must be shown to help Palestinians in desperate need of assistance after heavy fighting in Gaza.

Broadcasters say they worry they will be seen as taking sides in the conflict between Israel and Hamas.

But, other UK broadcasters including Channel 4, ITV , and Five have said they will show the advert. - Sapa-AP