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
Boycotting - Choosing not to buy, use or take part in something as a way of protesting or showing disapproval.
Controversy - Public disagreement.
Gaza war - The conflict that began after Hamas attacked Israel on 7 October 2023, leading to a large Israeli military operation in the Gaza Strip.
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.
Civilians - People who are not in the army or the police.
Human rights - The basic rights and freedoms that belong to every person in the world, from birth until death. They apply regardless of where you are from, what you believe or how you choose to live your life. Some have called for animals and even natural phenomena like rivers to have some form of human rights.
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.
Allied - Relating to Britain and its allies in World War One and Two.