Spain, Ireland, Slovenia and the Netherlands announced a boycott of the next Eurovision Song competition after Israel received approval to participate. Earlier this year respective broadcasters called on the organizers of the competition, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), to exclude Israel due to alleged electoral manipulations and the war in the Gaza Strip.
The latest truce in the conflict, negotiated by the US, was aimed at halting the war effort and enabling humanitarian aid to scope the enclave, but according to the Ministry of wellness of Gaza, 366 people were killed as a consequence of subsequent Israeli attacks.
This occurred after a year of escalation of force after Israel began a military operation in consequence to the Hamas attack of October 2023 in which 1,200 people were killed and 250 were taken hostage.
According to local wellness authorities, over 70,000 Palestinians have been killed since then as a consequence of the Israeli operation.
Answers came on Thursday after EBU approved stricter voting rules.
This decision was a consequence of accusations by respective European broadcasters that the competition in 2025 was manipulated to strengthen the Israeli participant.
A fewer hours later, Dutch broadcaster AVROTROS announced withdrawal.
"The violation of universal values specified as humanity and freedom of the press, but besides the political interference that took place during the erstwhile edition of the Eurovision Song Contest, exceeded all limits for us" – he said.
The Irish RTE station as the reasons for the withdrawal and non-issue of the event stated "Frightening losses in people in Gaza", humanitarian crisis and repression of Israel against freedom of the press.
The Slovenian station RTVSLO besides announced that it would not participate in the competition.
"We cannot stand on the same phase with a country typical who committed Palestinian genocide in the Gaza Strip" said manager Ksenija Horvat.
The Spanish RTVE station later confirmed that it would besides retreat from the competition.
RTVE, along with broadcasters from 7 another countries, requested a secret vote on Israel's participation.
When EBU rejected the invitation, RTVE stated that this decision "enhances our mistrust in the organisation of the competition and confirms the political force involved."
Eurovision organisers have introduced fresh rules to address the problem of interference, including restrictions in public voting, stricter guidelines on promotion, enhanced safeguards and return of judges to the semi-finals.
Translated by Google Translator
source:https://www.rt.com/news/628996-eurovision-boycott-israel-participation/
