Should Israel be allowed to compete? Four countries have decided to boycott Eurovision 2026 over Israel’s presence. Commentators are divided on whether boycotts are effective.
Eurovision ‘in crisis’ over boycott
Fan fervour: Israeli fans are a common sight at Eurovision, with the country winning the contest four times. If Israel wins in 2026, it will host in 2027. Glossary
European Broadcasting Union - An alliance of public service media organisations in European countries. It owns and operates Eurovision.
Boycotting - Choosing not to buy, use or take part in something as a way of protesting or showing disapproval.
Dogged - Showing persistent effort, determination, or stubbornness, especially in the face of difficulty or opposition.
Gaza - The smaller of two Palestinian territories, home to two million people. It is located on the Mediterranean coast, bordered by Israel and Egypt.
UN - United Nations. An intergovernmental organisation based in New York that aims to maintain international peace and security.
Genocide - The annihilation of a people, either through killing of its members, or through the suppression of its culture.
Hamas - A militant Palestinian organisation, which has controlled the Gaza Strip since 2007. It is listed as a terrorist organisation in the UK.
Whitewash - To hide, cover up, or gloss over wrongdoing in order to make someone or something appear innocent or acceptable.
Qatar - A small country on the Arabian Peninsula, bordering Saudi Arabia. Like its larger neighbour, it has experienced rapid economic development but maintained strict conservative religious codes.
Propaganda - Information, which may be biased or misleading, used to promote a certain viewpoint.
Tarnishing - Damaging or spoiling the reputation, image, or good name of someone or something.
Apartheid - A system of legally-enshrined racial discrimination and oppression which existed in South Africa from 1948 until the 1990s. It denied non-white South Africans basic human rights.