Ireland, Spain, Slovenia and Netherlands to boycott Eurovision over Israel's participation

Ireland, along with Spain, Slovenia, and the Netherlands, has announced a boycott of the Eurovision Song Contest due to Israel's participation, amid ongoing geopolitical tensions and calls for Israel's exclusion related to the conflict in Gaza.

The Israeli military conducted strikes on Hezbollah sites in southern Lebanon shortly after the first direct talks between Israel and Lebanon in 40 years, which involved civilian envoys. This military action occurred less than 24 hours after the discussions aimed at addressing rising tensions in the region.

The ongoing conflict in Gaza has resulted in a severe humanitarian crisis, with most fertile land under Israeli control, leaving Palestinians with limited arable land after the ceasefire. Reports indicate that the death toll in Gaza has risen significantly, with over 70,000 fatalities attributed to Israeli military operations over the past two years.

Yasser Abu Shabab, a militia leader in Gaza, has been reported killed amid accusations of collaborating with Israel, a claim that has drawn significant attention during the ongoing conflict. His group was previously criticized for allegedly stealing humanitarian aid during Israel's military operations in Gaza.

Eurovision organizers are currently debating whether to bar Israel from participating in the upcoming contest, following allegations that Israel influenced public voting in the previous year. This discussion comes amid ongoing tensions related to the Gaza conflict, which has prompted several countries to threaten withdrawal from the competition if Israel remains involved.

Palestinians in Gaza are actively working to rebuild their cherished heritage landmarks that suffered extensive damage during the recent conflict with Israel. The destruction of these sites has not only affected the cultural identity of the region but also the emotional well-being of its residents, who view these landmarks as symbols of their history and resilience.

Mohammed, a Palestinian prisoner, reflects on the emotional scars of his activism and the impact of his imprisonment on his relationship with his daughter, highlighting the personal toll of political struggles.

Lebanon and Israel have engaged in their first direct talks in decades, focusing on economic cooperation, in a US-led meeting. This development comes amid rising fears of renewed conflict with Hezbollah, with both sides describing the discussions as positive, though Lebanese officials emphasized that normalization can only occur after achieving lasting peace.