The 68th edition of the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest, scheduled to take place in Malmö on 7, 9 and 11 May, is facing controversy over Israel's participation. A group of 1,400 Finnish music industry professionals have signed a petition demanding that Israel be excluded from the contest. Finnish public broadcaster Yle could withdraw Finland if Israel is not excluded. The petition follows similar criticism and calls for a boycott last December.
Protesters point to the situation in Israel and Gaza, and compare it to Russia's exclusion in 2022 after its invasion of Ukraine. A number of European countries, including the UK and Iceland, as well as international artists, have expressed their support for the Palestinian cause. Israel's participation in the contest has sparked a lively debate on political and ethical issues within Eurovision. For the time being, the organisers are maintaining Israel's participation, considering Eurovision to be a contest for broadcasters and not for governments.