The Crown’s Khalid Abdalla – who plays Princess Diana’s tragic lover Dodi – issues political statement by writing ‘Ceasefire NOW’ on his hand at the series six premiere in LA amid Israel-Hamas war
Khalid Abdalla made a political statement on Sunday when he wrote ‘Ceasefire NOW’ on his hand in black marker at the LA premiere of series six of The Crown.
The actor, 42, who plays Princess Diana’s late boyfriend Dodi Fayed in the Netflix show, called for a ceasefire as the war between Israel and Hamas continues.
Abdalla joined Elizabeth Debicki (Diana), Rufus Kampa (William) and Fflyn Edwards (Harry) at the screening at the Westwood Regency Village Theater ahead of the new season’s release on November 16.
While posing for photos with his co-star Debicki, Abdalla revealed bold writing written on his hand in black highlighter.
He held up his hand toward the cameras, where he had written “Ceasefire NOW.”
Bold statement: Khalid Abdalla made a political statement on Sunday when he wrote ‘Ceasefire NOW’ on his hand with a black marker at the LA premiere of The Crown series six
Clear message: The actor, 42, who plays Dodi Fayed in the Netflix show, wrote ‘Ceasefire NOW’ on his hand with black highlighter
Social media: Khalid has used the hashtag #CeasefireNow extensively online and signed a letter in support of a ceasefire
As he was: Khalid, pictured left at the premiere, plays Egyptian filmmaker Dodi Fayed, pictured right in 1997, just days before he was tragically murdered
He wrote on Twitter: ‘Because all lives are sacred. Because I believe in the power of the human heart.
‘Because we have to be clear and open and do everything we can for a better world. #CeasefireNow.’
It is a hashtag he has previously used when, on Remembrance Sunday, he wrote next to a photo of pro-Palestinian demonstrators: ‘I am so proud of London for not succumbing to all the intimidation and showing how a march of love for our common humanity can take place during Armistice looks like. Day. #CeasefireNOW.’
Abdalla plays Dodi Fayed, the romantic partner of Princess Diana, an Egyptian film producer and son of billionaire Mohamed Al-Fayed.
Princess Diana and Dodi tragically died in a car accident in Paris on August 31, 1997.
The actor looked handsome in a black suit with a white shirt underneath.
Khalid has previously signed a letter demanding a ceasefire in Israel and Gaza with Artists for Palestine UK, along with Tilda Swinton, Miriam Margolyes and Steve Coogan, among others.
The more than 4,000 artists said: ‘Our governments not only tolerate war crimes, but also assist them.’
Co-star: Khalid with Elizabeth Debicki, who plays Princess Diana in the Netflix show
On screen: Princess Diana and Dodi tragically died in a car crash in Paris on August 31, 1997
Chaos: Khalid tweeted his support for pro-Palestine marches over Armistice Day weekend
A look back at history: the last season is about the relationship of Princess Diana and Dodi Fayed
They went on to condemn “any act of violence against civilians and any violation of international law, regardless of who commits it.”
A similar letter from US celebrities to Joe Biden contained signatures from Andrew Garfield, Kristen Stewart and Cate Blanchett.
It follows pro-Palestinian rallies held this weekend that caused chaos on Armistice Day on November 11.
Suella Braverman – who was sacked as Home Secretary this morning – sparked controversy after her striking comments accusing police of ‘playing favourites’ ahead of the 300,000-strong protest on the streets of central London calling for a ceasefire the fire in Gaza.
Critics accused the minister of inflaming the situation by labeling the pro-Palestinian protest a “hate march.”
Supporters, however, insist that the violence proved her right.
Hamas’ barbaric attack on October 7 killed around 1,200 people in Israel, and more than 200 are still being held hostage in Gaza.
Around the world, thousands of people have taken to the streets to protest to demand a ceasefire in Palestine, but Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has said this will not happen until all hostages are released.
Big event: The actor made a political statement at the LA premiere of the final season of The Crown
Sweet: Elizabeth Debicki was joined by her on-screen sons, Rufus Kampa and Fflyn Edwards, at the Los Angeles premiere of The Crown Season 6
On Sunday, Hamas released only four of the prisoners, including American Natalie Shoshana Raanan, 17, and her mother Judith Tai Raanan, 59.
Netanyahu said he is still in daily contact with Biden, and also has the “political and ethical support” of the US government.
But the Arab and Muslim world called for an immediate halt to military operations in Gaza, rejecting Israel’s justification of self-defense.
A communiqué issued at the summit urged the International Criminal Court to investigate “war crimes and crimes against humanity committed by Israel” as the country continues to wage war against the Gaza Strip.
The World Health Organization warned Sunday that Gaza’s largest hospital is “not functioning” and in a “dangerous” state after an airstrike left it without electricity and water for three days.