Nicola Coughlan urges US to stop arms to Israel

Irish actor Nicola Coughlan has been vocal about her support for Palestine and has called for ceasefire in solidarity with many industry peers. Being a face on the TIME100 list this year, Coughlan used her platform and voice once again to shed much-needed light on the genocide.

The 37-year-old actor has played her part for the Artists4Ceasefire movement by donning the red pin and demanding for an end to the conflict. Referring to the pin she wore, Coughlan said, "This is a call to President Biden and also to (Prime Minister) Keir Starmer in the UK to stop sending arms to Israel, to release the hostages, to send aid into Gaza. It's a call for peace. It's a call for everyone to find peace within that region."

At the event, she took the opportunity of a personal word to raise a toast to former Irish President Mary Robinson while also urging those in power to act. The Bridgerton star said, "The fight for human rights is about speaking truth to power. And this year, she (Robinson) did just that. In an open letter to President Biden, she expressed strong concerns about the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict. Her letter emphasised the need for American leadership to help de-escalate tensions and support the path to peace, as most Palestinians and Israelis desire an end to the violence."

The Derry Girls actor further quoted key notes from the letter, stressing on the need to opt for forgiveness over hatred, and helping the affected parties find a peaceful way out of this turmoil. A number of celebrities have been voicing support for the Palestinian cause, such as Andrew Garfield who spoke up a 92NY event and Mahershala Ali whose words are posted to the Artists4Ceasefire Instagram handle.

Coughlan ended her speech on an optimistic note towards the people of the US, saying, "I hope that if you are fortunate enough to elect your first female president, she too will be unafraid to speak truth to power, and will strive to make not just this country, but the world a more peaceful place. To Mary Robinson, I raise a toast. Sláinte."

In appreciation of Coughlan as a TIME100 honouree, Time Magazine added a few words from Bridgerton's executive producer Shonda Rhimes, who stated, "The passion and excellence that she has brought to Bridgerton is only just the beginning of the long, successful career she is inevitably bound to have."

As per the recent casualty figures reported by Al Jazeera, at least 42,227 people in Gaza have been killed in Israel's unrelenting attacks since October last year, with over 98,464 injured and more than 10,000 missing.