Israel competes in Eurovision as attacks on Gaza continue
The 68th Eurovision Song Contest kicked off overnight in Sweden, 2024 being the ninth year Australia has competed.
Fifty-two countries have taken part in the contest, at least once, and according to the European Broadcasting Union, the 2023 contest reached 162 million people over the three days it was held.
The EBU allows all countries within its broadcasting range to compete, which is how countries such as Israel and Turkey have participated, how Morocco even sent a contestant in 1980.
Israel’s participation has been the subject of contention, with calls to boycott made if the competition if the country were allowed to participate while their attacks on Gaza continue, despite urgent calls for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire from 153 countries, including Australia.
Joining Breakfast’s Pam Boland is Monash University’s Associate Professor of History Julie Kalman to explain Israel’s involvement and how tensions are likely to play out during the song contest.
