Miriam Margolyes has controversially dec lared the "essential decency" of the "Jewish people" has "evaporated"

Miriam said about her remarks alienating many people including some of her friends: "I'm terribly sad that I've offended some people, but to me, they proved that Hitler had won, and that, for me, was such a shock that really hurt me, because I didn't want to think that was possible.

"But it's true, the essential decency and compassion of the Jewish people has been squeezed out, evaporated, and it is a terribly sad thing.

"But if I don't speak out against what I think is wrong, who am I?"

Miriam was born into a Jewish family but has become outspoken about her people as a result of her hostility against Israel.

She added "one in particular" of her friends who is Jewish and lives in Israel had distanced themselves from her - and told her: "I don't want to be friends anymore, go well on your journey, don't contact me again."

Opening up about her former pal had been "very close" to her, Miriam said: "That was, and is, a deep hurt, and that doesn't go away, but I can't help it because I know I'm right.

"I don't know that I'm right about everything, but I do know that I'm right about the immorality of the Israeli position on Gaza and the activities of the Netanyahu government.

"That I know for sure they have done wrong."

In April Miriam slammed Israel's bombardment of the people of Gaza since Hamas attacked the country on 7 October by blasting: "To me, it seems as if Hitler has won.

"He's changed us Jews from being compassionate and carrying into this vicious, genocidal, nationalist nation, pursuing and killing women and children."

The actress also stoked controversy in 2014 when she said in an interview with the Radio Times: "I don't think people like Jews. They never have. English literature, my great love, is full of greasy and treacherous Jews."

Campaigners against anti-Semitism have accused Miriam of holding views that could not be excused because she happened to be have Jewish roots.