Egyptian-American actor Ramy Youssef makes plea for Palestine on US show Saturday Night Live

Egyptian-American actor Ramy Youssef has called for the freedom of Palestine on the popular US comedy sketch show Saturday Night Live.

In his opening monologue, which is usually delivered by the show’s celebrity host, the award-winning actor spoke of the dire situation in the enclave, subject to brutal Israeli bombardment since October 7.

He also spoke about his friend Ahmed whose family was suffering in the besieged and bombarded territory.

Youssef continued to tell Ahmed’s story - who doesn’t know where half of his family was as Israel’s war continued to displace and kill Palestinians in the enclave for almost six months.

Ahmed asked Youssef to pray for his family.  "So that night, I go to pray, and my prayers are complicated. I’ve got a lot to fit in," he joked.

"God please, please help Ahmed's family, please stop the suffering, please stop the violence. Please free the people of Palestine. Please," he pleaded, to which the audience responded with cheers and applause.

Youssef, the first Arab-American to host the famed comedy programme, also called for the remaining hostages held in Gaza to be freed.

The actor and comedian also made mention of the holy Muslim month of Ramadan, his faith and the upcoming US elections during his monologue.

Youssef famously starred in the Hulu series 'Ramy', which depicts the life of the titular character navigating Muslim American life in New Jersey, for which he won a Golden Globe Award in 2020.

The actor has been vocal about his support for the Palestinian cause.

In December, Youssef hosted a comedy show which raised money for relief efforts in the Gaza Strip.

Additionally, Youssef announced that all proceeds from the remainder of his 'More Feelings' comedy tour would be given to American Near East Refugee Aid, an NGO working to provide humanitarian in Gaza.

Youssef also used his social media platforms to raise awareness of the Palestinian cause as well as Israel’s onslaught in Gaza, where at least 32,700 have been killed in almost six months of war.

Youssef was among over 260 signatories of an open letter that urged US President Joe Biden and Congress to call for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza.

During an Oscars red carpet interview earlier this month, the actor said: "We're calling for an immediate, permanent ceasefire in Gaza. We're calling for peace and lasting justice for the people of Palestine."