"Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland, Iceland and Slovenia stage the biggest political boycott in Eurovision history over Israel participating, citing its genocidal war against Palestinians in Gaza. Bulgaria has won the Eurovision Song Contest for the first time as Israel, whose participation had triggered a boycott from five countries and protests over its genocidal war against Palestinians in Gaza, came in second."
"About 10,000 glammed-up fans filled the Wiener Stadthalle arena in the Austrian capital, Vienna, to watch the showpiece final, where, as always, the razzmatazz didn't escape geopolitics. Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland, Iceland and Slovenia staged the biggest political boycott in Eurovision history against Israel's participation, citing its war on Gaza, which has killed more than 72,740 Palestinians since it began in October 2023."
"Israeli singer Noam Bettan was loudly cheered although there was a smattering of boos as he performed Michelle, a rock ballad in Hebrew, French and English. Earlier in the week, four people were ejected for trying to disrupt his semifinal performance. It was the second year in a row that Israel finished runners-up."
"Eurovision organisers tightened voting rules this year after allegations Israel had mounted an intense lobbying campaign to get votes for its entry. Hundreds of protesters against Israel's inclusion marched near the arena before Saturday's final, some holding placards saying Block Eurovision. Pro-Palestinian groups also staged an outdoor conce"
Bulgaria won the Eurovision Song Contest for the first time, with Darina Yotova, known as Dara, taking the title with “Bangaranga.” Israel’s entry placed second, with Noam Bettan performing “Michelle” in Hebrew, French, and English. Five countries—Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland, Iceland, and Slovenia—staged a major political boycott over Israel’s participation, citing its war in Gaza and the deaths of Palestinians since October 2023. Protests occurred near the arena, including marches and placards reading “Block Eurovision.” Eurovision organizers tightened voting rules after allegations of intense lobbying for votes, and four people were ejected for trying to disrupt Israel’s semifinal performance.
Read at www.aljazeera.com
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