BRUSSELS <\/p>\n
Polish lawmakers called on Friday for a boycott of the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest following the European Broadcasting Union’s (EBU) decision to allow Israel to participate.<\/p>\n
Lawmaker Robert Biedron said that Spain, the Netherlands, Slovenia, and Ireland have already announced their withdrawal from the contest, and called on other countries to follow suit.<\/p>\n
“If we do not want to have blood on our hands, we should also withdraw from this charade,” he said through US social media company X.<\/p>\n
Similarly, fellow Polish lawmaker Marcelina Zawisza praised the countries that have pulled out, saying: “They do not want to pretend that the genocide in Gaza did not happen and is not happening. This is a righteous stance.”<\/p>\n
She added that Israel should be boycotted in the same manner as Russia, referencing past cultural sanctions imposed over conflicts.<\/p>\n
The EBU confirmed on Thursday that Israel will be able to participate in next year’s contest, as members decided not to hold a vote specifically on Israel\u2019s participation despite requests from several broadcasters.<\/p>\n
Slovenia, Spain, the Netherlands, and Ireland have so far decided not to participate, citing Israel’s involvement and the ongoing situation in Gaza, while Belgium and Iceland will hold further discussions.<\/p>\n
Since October 2023, Israeli attacks in Gaza have killed more than 70,000 people, mostly women and children, and injured nearly 171,000 others. Several experts, including those appointed by a UN body, have stated that Israel’s attacks in Gaza constitute genocide.<\/p>\n