Ireland to skip Eurovision for second year running over Gaza deaths

An Israeli flag hangs next to a Eurovision flag in Tel Aviv. Ireland joins the Netherlands in boycotting the world’s biggest live televised music event in 2027 as more entertainers speak out against the loss of lives in Gaza. — AFP pic

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Summary

• Ireland, through its public broadcaster RTE, has announced it will not participate in or broadcast the Eurovision Song Contest next year, citing the ongoing loss of lives in Gaza as the reason.
• This decision aligns with the Netherlands, reflecting a series of boycotts and controversies surrounding the event, notably due to Israel's participation.

First Published: Thursday, 17 Sep 2026 8:08 PM MYT

DUBLIN, Sept 17 — Ireland will not participate in or broadcast next year’s Eurovision Song Contest, public broadcaster RTE said Thursday, citing the “ongoing loss of lives in Gaza”.

The country, which snubbed the 2026 competition over Israel’s participation, will join the Netherlands in skipping the world’s biggest live televised music event, which has been hit by a string of boycotts and controversies in recent years. — AFP