Hugh Bonneville kicked off a live TV interview about Downton Abbey with an urgent warning about the “indefensible” situation in Gaza.
The actor, who plays the Earl of Grantham in the ITV drama, was attending the red carpet film premiere of Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale at Leicester Square in London on Wednesday.
During a chat with reporter Helen Keenan for ITV London News, the 61-year-old begged the international community to intervene in the conflict.
"Before I talk about the fluff and loveliness of our wonderful film - what's about to happen in Gaza is indefensible,” he said, pointing his finger and staring intently at the camera.
“The international community must do more to bring it to an end.”
He added, without skipping a beat: “Downton Abbey is a lovely film and we’re going to celebrate 15 glorious years of it tonight.”
The broadcast then cut back to the news anchor at the ITV London News studio, who said: “Of course, it's not about the politics, it's all about the film.”
Bonneville was promoting the upcoming third Downton Abbey film, following the release of 2019’s Downton Abbey and 2022’s Downton Abbey: A New Era.
He attended the red carpet alongside stars including Michelle Dockery, who revealed she was pregnant at the event, Laura Carmichael and Joanne Froggatt.
His warning about Gaza came amid reports on Wednesday that Israeli forces were intensifying their attacks on the outskirts of Gaza City, as the military stepped up preparations for a ground offensive to conquer it.
Hospitals said women and children were among more than 30 Palestinians killed in Israeli strikes in the city on Wednesday, the BBC reported.
UN and aid groups said the strikes were having "horrific humanitarian consequences" for displaced families sheltering in the city, where a famine was declared last month.
Bonneville is among a slew of celebrities who have been speaking out against the war in Gaza.
Bridgerton star Nicola Coughlan has repeatedly advocated for a ceasefire and helped raise millions through fundraisers she has organised on social media.
