Spain's Prime Minister calls for Israel's exclusion from Eurovision

Tuesday 20 May 2025 - 11:20

By: Dakir Madiha

Spain's Prime Minister calls for Israel's exclusion from Eurovision

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has voiced a strong stance advocating for Israel's exclusion from the Eurovision Song Contest, citing solidarity with the Palestinian people amidst ongoing conflict. His remarks, made during an event in Madrid, reflect his criticism of Israel's actions in Gaza, which he described as a violation of international law.

Sánchez's comments follow widespread protests against Israel's participation in the contest, which culminated in a significant demonstration during the recent festivities in Switzerland. He emphasized the need for consistency in cultural values, stating, "What we cannot allow is double standards in culture," referencing Russia's exclusion from Eurovision following its invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

The Prime Minister reiterated Spain's commitment to human rights and international law, urging for a unified European stance on these issues. "Spain's commitment to international law and human rights must be constant and must be coherent," he stated.

Ahead of the Eurovision final, Spanish public broadcaster RTVE took a bold step by airing a message supporting Palestinians, despite receiving warnings from the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) against referencing Gaza. In a letter sent to the EBU, RTVE expressed concerns about the situation in Gaza, particularly regarding rising famine risks, and requested a discussion regarding Israeli participation.

Sánchez, who recognized a Palestinian state last year, extended his support to both Palestinian and Ukrainian people affected by conflict. At a recent Arab League summit, he called for increased international pressure on Israel to halt what he described as a "massacre in Gaza."

He disclosed plans for Spain to propose a resolution at the United Nations General Assembly, urging the International Court of Justice to assess Israel's adherence to international humanitarian obligations concerning aid access to Gaza. This comes in the wake of escalating violence, with reports indicating significant civilian casualties on both sides.

The ongoing conflict has resulted in a humanitarian crisis, exacerbated by Israel's blockade of the occupied Palestinian territory since early March. The toll of violence has been devastating, with thousands of civilians reportedly killed in Gaza due to retaliatory military actions.

In this context, Sánchez's call for action reflects a growing sentiment within Spain and the international community, advocating for accountability and a reevaluation of cultural engagement with countries involved in humanitarian crises.