Eurovision in crisis? Israel’s inclusion causes rift – The Latest

Several countries, including Ireland, Spain, Slovenia, and the Netherlands, have announced a boycott of the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 following the European Broadcasting Union's decision to allow Israel to compete despite ongoing geopolitical tensions related to the conflict in Gaza.

Spain, Ireland, the Netherlands, and Slovenia have announced their boycott of the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 in response to Israel's participation, which follows the European Broadcasting Union's decision to allow Israel to compete without a vote on its inclusion. This decision has been made amid ongoing geopolitical tensions and humanitarian concerns related to the conflict in Gaza.

Israel is currently awaiting the return of Ran Gvili, the last captive held by Hamas in Gaza, following the return of the body of Sudthisak Rinthalak, a Thai agricultural worker. This situation arises amid ongoing negotiations and a fragile ceasefire agreement that has seen the return of several hostages over recent weeks.

Austria has confirmed its commitment to host the Eurovision Song Contest in 2026, despite facing financial challenges due to the withdrawal of four countries—Ireland, Spain, Slovenia, and the Netherlands—over Israel's participation amid ongoing geopolitical tensions related to Gaza.

Four European countries, including Ireland, Spain, Slovenia, and the Netherlands, have announced a boycott of the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 due to Israel's participation, following the European Broadcasting Union's decision to allow Israel to compete without a vote on its inclusion. This marks a significant moment in the contest's history, reflecting ongoing geopolitical tensions.

Yasser Abu Shabab, the leader of the Israeli-backed Popular Forces militia in Gaza, was killed during a violent clash while attempting to mediate a family dispute. His death has raised questions regarding the circumstances surrounding it, particularly given the group's controversial role in the ongoing conflict.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun stated that Lebanon does not desire another war with Israel during a meeting with a UN Security Council delegation, emphasizing the need for international support to disarm non-governmental groups. This statement comes amid ongoing Israeli military strikes in southern Lebanon, which Israel claims are aimed at Hezbollah, despite a ceasefire established in November 2024.

Sang Hea Kil, a tenured professor at San José State University in California, has been dismissed due to her pro-Palestinian activism, marking her as the first tenured faculty member from a public university to be fired in relation to protests against Israel's actions in Gaza. This dismissal follows a trend of increasing scrutiny and disciplinary actions against university staff involved in similar activism across the United States.