"At the General Assembly of the EBU in July, a number of EBU members raised concerns about the participation of Israel in the Eurovision Song Contest. RTÉ wishes to thank the EBU for the extensive consultation process that was initiated on foot of that meeting, and the extension of the option to withdraw from participation without penalty to December. RTÉ feels that Ireland's participation would be unconscionable given the ongoing and appalling loss of lives in Gaza. RTÉ is also deeply concerned by the targeted killing of journalists in Gaza, and the denial of access to international journalists to the territory, and the plight of the remaining hostages."
"Ireland will not take part in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest if the participation of Israel goes ahead."
"We understand the concerns and deeply held views around the ongoing conflict in the Middle East."
RTÉ states that Ireland will not participate in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest if Israel takes part. The final decision on Ireland's participation will follow the European Broadcasting Union's decision. EBU members raised concerns at the July General Assembly, prompting an extended consultation and an option to withdraw without penalty until December. RTÉ cites the ongoing loss of life in Gaza, targeted killings of journalists, denial of access to international journalists, and the plight of hostages as reasons for finding participation unconscionable. The EBU previously suspended Russia over broadcaster alignment with the government after the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, and the EBU is consulting members on how to manage participation amid geopolitical concerns.
Read at Irish Independent
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