Spanish PM Urges Israel's Suspension from Eurovision Amid Gaza Conflict

In light of ongoing military actions in Gaza, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has called for Israel's suspension from the Eurovision Song Contest, likening the situation to Russia's exclusion due to its aggression in Ukraine. His comments reflect a broader commitment to human rights and international law.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has called for Israel's exclusion from the Eurovision Song Contest due to its military actions in Gaza, highlighting a potential double standard in how countries are treated in international competitions. Speaking at a news conference in Madrid, Sánchez noted that Russia has been banned from the event since 2022 following its invasion of Ukraine, asserting that the same standards should apply to Israel.

In support of his stance, he emphasized the importance of international law and human rights, expressing solidarity with the Palestinian people. "Nobody was up in arms when the Russian invasion of Ukraine began three years ago and [Russia] had to leave international competitions and could not take part, as we have just seen, in Eurovision," Sánchez said. "Therefore Israel shouldn't either, because what we cannot allow is double standards in culture."

Despite the contentious remarks, Israel's entry to the competition, performed by Yuval Raphael, placed second and garnered maximum points from Spanish viewers, which Israeli minister for diaspora affairs Amichai Chikli took as a jab at Sánchez, remarking that the voting results were a "slap in the face."

Sánchez and his government have voiced strong criticisms of Israel's actions, with the prime minister previously referring to the nation as a "genocidal state." In response, Israel's foreign ministry summoned the Spanish ambassador for diplomatic reprimand.

Spain's national broadcaster, RTVE, showed its support for Palestinians leading up to the event and has requested an audit of the Eurovision voting process after the results were announced. Meanwhile, Spain's own entry, a song titled "Esa Diva" by Melody, finished in 24th place at the contest held in Basel.