The BBC has refused to bow to mounting pressure to air a humanitarian appeal to raise emergency funds for the people of Gaza in spite of condemnation from government ministers, religious leaders, viewers and senior members of its own staff.

Mark Thompson, BBC director-general, appeared isolated yesterday as rival broadcasters Channel 4, Five and ITV agreed to air the advert for the Disasters Emergency Committee, which represents 13 of Britain's leading aid agencies. Sky News is considering its position.