Dutch public broadcaster AVROTROS said on Friday it will not participate in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest if Israel is admitted, citing concern over the humanitarian situation in Gaza, reported Xinhua.
AVROTROS said in a statement that it has held regular talks with the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), the organizer of Eurovision, and other European public broadcasters about the contest's future and Israel's participation.
"The Eurovision Song Contest was founded in 1956 to bring people together after a period of deep division and war," the broadcaster said. Since its inception, "music has been at the heart of the contest as a unifying force, with peace, equality and respect as its core values."
The broadcaster said it cannot justify Israel's participation in light of "ongoing and severe human suffering in Gaza," and voiced deep concern over the high number of journalist casualties.
The broadcaster added its preparations for the 2026 contest would continue for now, but its participation depends on the EBU's decision on Israel. "Should the EBU decide not to admit Israel, AVROTROS will gladly take part next year," it said.
- Dutch
- Broadcaster
- Eurovision
- Boycott
- Israel
Source: www.dailyfinland.fi
