Eurovision 2026: Amnesty accuses the European Broadcasting Union of turning a blind eye to the genocide in Gaza

ByMuhammad

Amnesty International denounces Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2026. Its secretary general, Agnès Callamard, accuses the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) of showing “double standards” after having excluded Russia but not Israel. The NGO believes that Israel is using Eurovision to divert attention from the “ongoing genocide in Gaza”, as well as from the “illegal occupation” and the “apartheid system” against the Palestinians.

Amnesty says “there should be no stage for Israel at Eurovision while genocide is underway” and calls on the international community to act against Israeli impunity. The organization also recalls that several decisions by international courts as well as UN resolutions have condemned Israel for numerous violations of international law in recent decades.

In December 2025, public broadcasters in Spain, Ireland, the Netherlands, Slovenia and Iceland announced their withdrawal from the competition to protest Israeli participation. The Eurovision 2026 final is scheduled to take place on May 16 in Vienna.

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Muhammad

Muhammad is a visionary thinker and passionate writer who has been contributing to Understanding Islam for several years.