ABC under fire over controversial detail in behind-the-scene photos of one of its most popular programs

The ABC has come under fire after a film crew for one of its programs was seen wearing keffiyeh scarves - a garment associated with Palestinian political groups. 

Behind-the-scenes pictures showed Catalyst staff wearing the distinctive black and white checkered headgear over their caps while another group photo with scientists featured three people wearing keffiyehs tied around their necks.

ABC staff were shooting on location at South Australia's remote Lake Callabonna, documenting the search for megafauna fossils for the two-part series, 'Megafauna: What Killed Australia's Giants?'

The special was launched on the national broadcaster's iView channel a week ago.

Australian Jewish Association (AJA) CEO Robert Gregory accused ABC staff of wearing the symbolic clothing to 'irritate Australians'.

'Why on Earth do they feel the need to politicise a program about ancient marsupials?' he said to Daily Mail Australia on Thursday.    

'Posing with what has become a very political symbol is a silly stunt, designed to irritate Australians. 

'The ABC can't resist getting involved in left-wing politics and virtue signaling.

'The ABC charter calls for unbiased reporting but it consistently fails to live up to its own charter. Taxpayers shouldn’t be forced to fund the ABC.' 

The ABC has strict editorial policies and requires staff to be impartial in their reporting. 

However, ABC coverage and staff commentary on the bloody war between Israel and Palestinian terrorist group Hamas has been a frequent source of contention since the current conflict began on October 7 last year. 

Fill-in radio radio host Antoinette Lattouf was dumped by the ABC just three days into a week-long stint in December over her posts on the war in Gaza, which all condemned Israeli actions.

Lattouf's posts on various online platforms were deemed to have breached the ABC's social media policies.

She has since launched legal action against the ABC claiming the decision was political, based on her stance on Palestine and her Lebanese heritage.

Last December the ABC pulled down a TikTok story that portrayed consumer boycotts against Israel in a flattering light.

The social media story by ABC reporter Amal Wehbe demonstrated how to take part in the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) protest movement that targets Israeli goods and products along with companies seen to be supportive of the Jewish state.

The story was taken down by the ABC after Daily Mail Australia asked the broadcaster questions about it, but was subsequently posted back online. 

Mr Gregory said his group is 'frustrated at how often the ABC makes errors when reporting significant international news stories, particularly on the Middle East'.

Daily Mail Australia contacted the ABC for comment.