Israel was given the green light to participate in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest on Thursday, after the organising body decided not to hold a vote on its inclusion, despite threats of boycotts from some countries over the Gaza conflict.
Following the announcement, Dutch broadcaster Avrotros declared that it would withdraw from the contest, meaning the Netherlands will not compete in the competition, which attracts millions of viewers globally.
There was no immediate response from Spanish and other national broadcasters who had previously threatened to boycott the event if Israel was allowed to participate, citing the death toll in Gaza and accusing Israel of breaching the rules designed to maintain the contest’s neutrality.
The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) stated that its members had supported new regulations aimed at preventing governments and third parties from unduly promoting songs to influence voters, following claims that Israel had unfairly boosted its entry this year.
"The vote means that all EBU members who wish to participate in the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 and agree to comply with the new rules are eligible to take part," the EBU said.
The issue has caused significant division among participants in the competition, which has a history of being entangled in national rivalries, international conflicts, and political voting.
The Dutch broadcaster explained that it had determined that, given the current circumstances, participation could not be reconciled with the core public values of its organisation.
Germany, a key supporter of Eurovision, had stated it would withdraw if Israel was excluded. Israel, which finished second in the contest this year, has not addressed the accusations but maintains it is the target of a global smear campaign.
Baku is set to host the second “Fly to Baku” Art Weekend from 30 October to 1 November, bringing together Azerbaijani and international...
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova has accused European governments of fuelling the war in Uk...
Two of the United States' largest technology companies reported robust revenue growth in their latest quart...
Despite losing his bloc's majority in Israel's 120-seat Knesset in a hotly contested election, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has managed to remain in the lead after 70 per cent of votes were tallied on Wednesday. Figures are subject to change as counting continues.
Russia and Ukraine have begun a regional ceasefire to allow the start of a humanitarian effort in the Russian-occupied town of Oleshky, both sides said on Tuesday, but they continue strikes elsewhere, including the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv.
The Pentagon is prepared to launch potentially major military operations against Iran within 96 hours of receiving an order from U.S. President Donald Trump, with sufficient forces already deployed in the Middle East, according to a CNN report.
Jordan said its air force killed more than 20 Islamic State militants in strikes on southern Syria on Monday night.
Russia's President Vladimir Putin is hosting the Eighth Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) summit in Moscow. The Kremlin has said leaders will discuss the role of gas in global energy security and adopt a final declaration.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova has accused European governments of fuelling the war in Ukraine, arguing that officials in Brussels and several European capitals are responsible for prolonging the conflict while rejecting meaningful dialogue over Russia's security concerns.
The United States, the European Union and a group of partner nations have renewed calls for North Korea to abandon its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programmes, while urging all UN member states to fully enforce existing international sanctions.
UN investigators have said a steady flow of foreign weapons, military technology and fighters is prolonging and intensifying Sudan’s war. They warned that the conflict is spreading geographically and becoming more dangerous for civilians.
At least 68 people have been killed after two high-speed trains collided in Spain on Wednesday, in the second deadly rail disaster in less than a year on a major route linking Madrid with the southern Andalusia region.
U.S. President Donald Trump said early Wednesday that a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy would be arranged soon, while leaving the door open to further U.S. strikes on Iran following next week's midterm elections.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment