3 days ago
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EPA
Yuval Raphael flew the flag for Israel at this year's song contest in Switzerland
The Irish state broadcaster RTÉ has said it will not take part in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest "if the participation of Israel goes ahead".
In a statement, RTÉ said that Ireland's participation in the event "would be unconscionable given the ongoing and appalling loss of lives in Gaza".
Ireland has won the contest seven times in total, most recently in 1996.
RTÉ will make a final decision once the Eurovision organisers, the European Broadcasting Union, makes its decision.
Getty Images
Jedward took part in the Eurovision Song Contest for Ireland in 2011
Slovenia's national broadcaster, RTVSLO, has also said it will withdraw from the competition if Israel participates.
Spain's Culture Minister Ernest Urtasun has said that his country may also not take part should Israel participate.
In a statement, RTÉ said: "It is RTÉ's position that Ireland will not take part in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest, if the participation of Israel goes ahead, and the final decision regarding Ireland's participation will be made once the EBU's decision is made".
It added: "RTÉ is also deeply concerned by the targeted killing of journalists in Gaza, the denial of access to international journalists to the territory, and the plight of the remaining hostages."
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