RTE says Ireland’s participation in next year’s Eurovision is uncertain, citing concerns over the humanitarian situation in Gaza.
Ireland's national broadcaster Raidió Teilifís Éireann (RTE) has said it may not take part in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest if Israel is allowed to compete, pointing to growing concern among members of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) about the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
In a statement issued on Thursday, RTE said it would find participation "unconscionable" given the humanitarian toll in Gaza. The broadcaster also noted concerns about the safety of journalists and the lack of access for international media in the territory, as well as the situation of hostages still held by Hamas.
RTE stated, "Ireland's participation would be unconscionable given the ongoing and appalling loss of lives in Gaza," adding that the concerns were shared by several EBU members during a July meeting.
Israel has said it does not target journalists and has emphasised that it is acting in self-defence against Hamas, which it considers a terrorist organisation.
The EBU has not yet commented on whether Israel will be permitted to participate in the 2026 competition, which is due to be held in Vienna.
Israel is a long-time member of the EBU and has taken part in Eurovision since 1973, winning four times. Ireland, which joined in 1965, holds a joint record of seven wins alongside Sweden.
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Israel was cleared on Thursday to participate in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest, a decision made by the organisers, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which sparked a major controversy.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Tuesday that he is awaiting the results of a meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff and Russian President Vladimir Putin, as efforts continue to find a path toward ending the war in Ukraine.
Catherine Connolly, a veteran lawmaker known for her far-left political stance, was elected President of Ireland on Saturday with a commanding victory, delivering a strong rebuke to the recently re-elected centre-right coalition.
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Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top news stories for the 15 March, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Top U.S. and Chinese economic officials launched a new round of talks in Paris on Sunday (15 March) to resolve issues in their trade truce. The discussions aim to smooth the way for U.S. President Donald Trump’s visit to Beijing to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping at the end of March.
The other evening, I was fuelling my car at a petrol station in Kenya’s capital. It was one of those small moments most motorists barely notice. The attendant filled the tank, I glanced at the pump price, paid, and drove off.
'One Battle After Another' tops the Oscars with 6 awards, followed by 'Sinners' which takes 4, 'Frankenstein' 3 and Netflix's most-watched film in its history, 'KPop Demon Hunters' winning 2. There was also the rare event of a tie.
The Academy Awards nominations have been announced, with the crime drama Sinners leading the race securing a record 16 nominations ahead of the ceremony set for 15 March. The event, which honours the film industry’s top achievements over the past year, will be hosted by comedian Conan O'Brien.
A long-running investigation has suggested that the street artist known as Banksy may be legally named David Jones. A report indicates that Jones was previously known as Robin Gunningham, a name long associated with Banksy, before legally changing his name several years ago.
Palestinian actor Motaz Malhees has said a U.S. travel ban is preventing him from attending the 2026 Academy Awards this Sunday (15 March), where a film in which he stars is nominated for best international feature.
Netflix has announced a sequel to the hit animated film KPop Demon Hunters, with director Maggie Kang saying she is excited to show audiences what more is in store.
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