Four nations have dropped out of the Eurovision song contest in protest over Israel’s entry into the event.
Israel has participated since 1973 and won four times, but because of its conflict with Hamas in Gaza, the four nations — Ireland, Spain, the Netherlands, and Slovenia — have announced they will not participate in protest.
The European Broadcasting Union, which runs the festival, refused to kick Israel out, leading to the decision by the four countries. Germany, in response to the decision by the four, declared it will not participate if Israel is barred.
Irish organizers said the decision was due to “the appalling loss of lives in Gaza and the humanitarian crisis there.” Slovenia said its participation “would conflict with its values of peace, equality and respect.”
For the contest, each nation sends a band to perform a chosen song. Viewers of the event then vote on a winner, and a judging committee makes the final decision based on voter preferences and their own evaluations.
