Spain’s public broadcaster mentioned on Friday it has referred to as for a “debate” over Israel’s participation on this 12 months’s Eurovision Song Contest in Switzerland attributable to “concerns” over the scenario in war-torn Gaza.
RTVE has despatched a letter to the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which manages the occasion, “requesting a debate on the participation of Israeli public television (KAN)” within the contest, the Spanish public broadcaster mentioned in a press release.
The Swiss metropolis of Basel will host the glitzy annual extravaganza — one of many world’s largest reside tv occasions which includes international locations from Europe to Australia — on the St. Jakobshalle indoor enviornment, with the semi-finals on May 13 and 15, and the ultimate on May 17.
Public broadcasters of taking part nations choose the candidate which can characterize them, so the absence of KAN would imply there isn’t any Israeli performer at this 12 months’s occasion.
RTVE mentioned it “reiterates its support” for Eurovision “but also acknowledges the concerns that the situation in Gaza and the participation of KAN public television are raising within Spanish civil society”.
“It would be appropriate for the EBU to recognize the existence of this debate and provide a forum for discussion between EBU member broadcasters on the participation of Israeli public television,” the assertion added.
Thousands protested eventually 12 months’s contest within the Swedish metropolis of Malmo in opposition to Israel’s participation in opposition to the backdrop of the struggle between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.
Israeli competitor Eden Golan needed to change her lyrics over their obvious references to the lethal Hamas assault in opposition to Israel on October 7, 2023, which sparked the struggle.
A survivor of that assault will characterize Israel in Basel.
When Hamas militants killed greater than 370 individuals on the Nova music competition, Yuval Raphael survived by hiding below a pile of our bodies. She mentioned she can be able to face the form of hostility Golan did.
Finland’s public broadcaster Yle obtained two petitions final month demanding it push for Israel to be banned from the competition as a result of struggle in Gaza.
One was signed by greater than 500 music and tradition trade professionals, whereas a public petition was signed by over 10,000 individuals.
Israel has gained the competition 4 instances, most just lately in Lisbon in 2018.
On October 7, 2023, Palestinian militants launched a cross-border assault in Israel that resulted within the deaths of greater than 1,200 individuals, largely civilians, and the seize of 251 hostages, in accordance with Israeli figures.
Israel’s ensuing bombardment and floor offensive in Gaza has killed practically 51,000 individuals within the territory, in accordance with the well being ministry in Hamas-run Gaza. The U.N. has deemed its figures usually dependable.
© 2025 AFP