Michelle Thompson‘I want to apologize,’ says renowned Emmy-winning actor in message to Gaza.
Tobias Menzies, an Emmy-winning actor, has joined the chorus of voices condemning the “very troubling” situation in Gaza, which has been devastated by weeks of Israeli assaults, as well as the “heartbreaking” pictures of civilian suffering.
Menzies, best known for his roles in the TV shows The Crown and Game of Thrones, told Anadolu about the severe humanitarian situation in the besieged Palestinian enclave as he spoke following a demonstration in London in support of Gaza’s healthcare workers.
“I’m here to stand in solidarity with the health professionals who have lost their lives in Gaza in recent weeks,” he said in an interview on Saturday, during a rally and silent march staged by British healthcare workers. Since the continuing Israeli bombardment began on October 7, more than 200 medical personnel have been killed in Gaza.
“It’s something close to my heart,” Menzies said, adding that he had recently worked for the London-based charity Medical Aid for Palestinians, supporting their work with medical professionals in the occupied territories.
He said it was necessary for him to come to the march because of Israeli attacks on medical infrastructure and healthcare personnel.
“Very troubled by them,” Menzies, who won an Emmy for supporting actor in 2021 for his portrayal as Prince Philip in The Crown’s third and fourth seasons, added.
Many people have died as a result of Israel’s recent military operation, according to the 49-year-old English actor, who also stated that the assassination of medical personnel has left the future of communities in Gaza “very compromised.”
Menzies also noted the existing challenges in providing much needed treatments to injured people.
“What’s going on is very troubling,” he said.
‘It’s heartbreaking to witness.’
In response to a query about if he was concerned about censorship in the film industry for supporting Palestinian people in Gaza, Menzies stated his stance was a personal choice.
It’s been a difficult cause to stand up to since it’s a “very heated time, politically,” said Menzies, who “certainly” felt it was necessary to highlight and maintain international law and in the conduct of military wars.
“I think this really affects security for both Israel and Palestine,” he said, emphasizing that the dispute will “have to be resolved” at some time. “We’re looking for a long-term solution to this issue.”
Menzies emphasized that violating or bending international law would benefit no one.
“The first thing that needs to happen is for the conflict to stop so that relief can be brought to civilians, so they can get food or water or medical aid,” he said, underlining that this needed to happen quickly.
Fighting would not solve this problem, and the solution must be political, he added.
“I want to express my heartfelt regret. “We truly stand in solidarity with them, and we see their anguish,” Menzies said in a letter to Gaza residents.
The war has affected thousands of families, including children, and “it’s heartbreaking to see,” he said.
In reaction for a cross-border invasion by the Palestinian group Hamas on Oct. 7, Israel initiated air and ground operations on Gaza.
According to Gaza’s health authorities, at least 18,800 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks since then, the majority of them have been women and children, and 51,000 have been injured.
According to official numbers, the Israeli death toll from the Hamas attack stands at 1,200, with the Palestinian group still holding more than 130 hostages in Gaza.
Emily Martinez
