Paris: French public broadcaster France Televisions has removed a replay of a television program in which actress Adele Haenel accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza and France of complicity.

According to Anadolu Agency, Haenel made her statements during a live appearance on France 5's literary program La Grande Librairie on September 9. In a segment where guests were allowed full freedom of expression, Haenel discussed the suppression of voices addressing sexual violence and the alleged genocide in Palestine. Expecting her remarks to be edited out, Haenel's team recorded the segment, yet the broadcaster opted to remove the entire replay from its website.

The removal sparked criticism from lawmakers in the left-wing France Unbowed (LFI) party. LFI lawmaker Gabrielle Cathala expressed on the social media platform X that the replay was taken down following Haenel's denunciation of Israel's actions and France's involvement. Meanwhile, LFI lawmakers Daniele Obono and Aymeric Caron criticized the decision, calling it 'scandalous' and affirming the accuracy of Haenel's statements regarding Gaza. Caron further accused the broadcaster of inadequate coverage of Gaza over the past three years, demanding transparency regarding any external pressure that led to the replay's removal.

According to French magazine Telerama, France Televisions stated that the replay was removed due to the absence of an opposing viewpoint to Haenel's remarks on Palestine during the broadcast. During her segment, Haenel declared, 'The State of Israel is committing genocide in Palestine, and France is complicit. Do not accept the unacceptable. Therefore, impose sanctions on Israel and free Palestine.'