Amnesty International calls for suspension of Israeli participation in Eurovision 2027

BRUSSEL, Oct. 29 (YPA) – Amnesty International has called on the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) to suspend the participation of the Israeli occupation entity in the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest, arguing that the Netherlands’ withdrawal in protest against its continued participation warrants a similar stance.

The organization’s Europe director, Steve Cockburn, said that the Dutch public broadcaster’s decision to withdraw sends a clear message rejecting any platform for whitewashing the crimes of genocide, ethnic cleansing, and apartheid committed against Palestinians.

He explained that the Dutch move highlights the EBU’s refusal to suspend the occupation’s participation despite the ongoing crimes, stressing that its participation allows it to use the contest to divert attention from the genocide in Gaza and to cover up the escalating annexation and ethnic cleansing measures in the West Bank.

The Dutch public broadcaster announced its withdrawal from the 2027 edition after consultations revealed insufficient support for participation, given the sensitivities associated with the occupation’s continued involvement.