Netflix has responded to criticism following its recent removal of 19 films by or about Palestinians from its platform, explaining that the licenses for the films had expired. The streaming giant clarified that the films, initially part of a collection called “Palestinian Stories,” were available under a three-year licensing agreement beginning in October 2021.

“Those licenses have now expired,” Netflix said in a statement released Friday. “As always, we continue to invest in a wide variety of quality films and TV shows to meet our members’ needs, and celebrate voices from around the world.” 

The removal has sparked criticism from human rights advocates and organizations. Freedom Forward, a coalition advocating for Palestinian representation, led an open letter to Netflix executives, urging them to reinstate the 19 films. 

In their letter, addressed to Reed Hastings, founder and executive chairman, and co-CEOs Greg Peters and Ted Sarandos, Freedom Forward expressed concerns that the removal could further marginalize Palestinian voices, particularly at a time when Gaza faces significant humanitarian challenges.

“We urge you to explain your decision and to reinstate every film by or about Palestinians that Netflix deleted last week,” the coalition said. “We are deeply concerned that Netflix’s deletion of nearly its entire library of Palestinian films will further marginalize Palestinian voices.”

Sunjeev Bery, executive director of Freedom Forward, criticized Netflix’s decision, questioning why the company, valued at billions, couldn’t renew the licenses. 

“Palestinians are experiencing extraordinary suffering, and Netflix should be doing everything it can to share Palestinian stories with the world,” Bery said.

Although most films from the “Palestinian Stories” collection have been removed, Netflix confirmed that the 2019 documentary Ibrahim: A Fate to Define, by Palestinian director Lina Al Abed, remains on the platform.

The open letter was signed by several organizations, including the Arab American Action Network, Council on American Islamic Relations and U.S. Palestinian Community Network, highlighting a broader call for media representation of Palestinian perspectives.