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LAST WEEK, RTÉ confirmed that Ireland will not take part in next year’s Eurovision Song Contest, and that the broadcaster will not air the event.
The announcement came alongside similar statements from Spain, the Netherlands, and Slovenia. It followed confirmation from the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) that Israel would be allowed to remain in the competition.
In recent months, countries including Ireland, Iceland, the Netherlands and Spain had signalled they would pull out of the 2026 contest if Israel participated. Broadcasters must confirm their participation by mid-December.
RTÉ said the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the targeting of journalists made participation “unconscionable”.
More than 70,000 people in Gaza have been killed by Israeli forces since 7 October 2023. Over 200 journalists have also been killed in the region.
Need more information on what is happening in Israel and Palestine? Check out our FactCheck Knowledge Bank for essential reads and guides to navigating the news online.
So, we’re asking: Do you support RTÉ’s decision to withdraw from Eurovision?
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