Ireland announced that it will not participate in next year’s Eurovision Song Contest if Israel takes part, according to AFP.
“It is RTE’s position that Ireland will not take part in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest if the participation of Israel goes ahead,” the Irish state broadcaster RTE said on Thursday.
RTF stated that a final decision will be made once the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) issues its ruling on the matter.
The move came after numerous members raised concerns during a general assembly in July.
“RTE feels that Ireland’s participation would be unconscionable given the ongoing and appalling loss of lives in Gaza,” it added.
In May, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said that the Eurovision song contest should exclude Israel over its war in Gaza.
Russians have not been allowed to take part in the competition because of Russia’s invasion on Ukraine.
“Therefore, Israel shouldn’t either, because what we cannot allow is double standards in culture,” Sanchez said at an event in Madrid.
During his speech, the Spanish PM stressed Spain’s commitment to applying the international law and human rights nothing that “Europe’s should be too.”
The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has recently warned participants to avoid any mentions or references to Gaza War.
However, Spanish public broadcaster RTVE aired a message in support of Palestinians ahead of the Eurovision final.
Moreover, RTVE wrote to the EBU in April requesting a “debate” over Israeli participation in the contest amid its genocide in Gaza and blockade of humanitarian aid.
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