52 MEPs urge EBU to exclude Israel over Gaza war

Anadolu Agency

Fifty-two Members of the European Parliament from 15 countries on Thursday called on the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) to bar Israel from the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest, citing the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

In a letter to the EBU, the lawmakers argued that Israel should be treated in the same way as Russia, which was banned from the competition in 2022 following its invasion of Ukraine. The initiative was led by left-leaning parties in the European Parliament.

The letter also referenced ongoing investigations by the International Criminal Court into alleged war crimes and genocide committed by Israel, arguing that its participation in the contest would undermine European values and normalise atrocities.

The call comes after several countries — Iceland, Ireland, the Netherlands, Slovenia and Spain — stated that they would not participate in Eurovision if Israel is allowed to compete.

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