The Eurovision Song Contest’s motto may be “United By Music,” but the long-running competition is facing rare public fractures as several countries withdraw in protest over Israel’s participation amid the ongoing war in Gaza.
State broadcasters in the Netherlands, Ireland, Spain, and Slovenia announced they will not take part in next year’s contest after Israel was confirmed as a participant. All four cited the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the broader political implications of including Israel in the lineup.
The dispute stems from the war that erupted after Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killing roughly 1,200 people and taking about 251 hostages. Israel’s military response has left more than 70,000 people dead in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry.
A ceasefire agreed to in October of this year has largely held.
Broadcasters withdrawing from the competition say participation alongside Israel would violate their ethical and humanitarian standards.
“Culture unites, but not at any price,” said Taco Zimmerman, head of Dutch broadcaster AVROTROS. “Universal values such as humanity and press freedom have been seriously compromised, and for us, these values are non-negotiable.”
Ireland’s broadcaster RTÉ echoed that sentiment, saying:
“RTÉ feels that Ireland’s participation remains unconscionable given the appalling loss of lives in Gaza and the humanitarian crisis there which continues to put the lives of so many civilians at risk.”
Ireland is one of Eurovision’s most successful participants, tied with Sweden with seven wins, including helping launch ABBA to global fame following their victory with “Waterloo.”
Spain’s broadcaster RTVE also cited the geopolitical fallout, saying:
“The situation in Gaza, despite the ceasefire and the approval of the peace process, and Israel’s use of the contest for political purposes, make it increasingly difficult to maintain Eurovision as a neutral cultural event,” said Secretary General Alfonso Morales.
The European Broadcasting Union, which organizes Eurovision, has not yet commented on the withdrawals.
