Debate surrounds possible Israeli deportation from Eurovision 2024
In Benidorm Festival discussions echo the tensions seen in past editions, as a presenter suggested excluding Israel while RTVE has maintained a different stance. The event coincides with the buildup to the European festival, where the Spanish entrant will perform during the semi finals and the show proceeds into its next rounds.
During a press conference, a public figure condemned the events in Gaza, speaking personally rather than on RTVE’s behalf. The speaker called for a ceasefire and described the actions as genocidal, urging immediate steps to protect civilians. This moment drew attention as the press conference framed the competition’s context, with the Spanish participant preparing to take the stage next Saturday and the first semi final taking place that evening.
Comments from the stage spurred questions about the role of politics in the competition and whether the European Broadcasting Union would maintain its stance if similar calls arose again. The discussion touched on past cases, including the swift exclusion of Russia from Eurovision in 2022 after its invasion of Ukraine, a moment that highlighted broad solidarity with affected communities.
Recent statements from the International Court of Justice urged prompt actions to prevent genocide in Gaza and to address incitement against Palestinians, while stopping short of calling for a ceasefire. RTVE has not shifted its position on Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2024, and the organization indicated that internal discussions are ongoing and decisions remain individual rather than dictated by the broadcaster as a whole.
The European Broadcasting Union emphasizes that Eurovision participants are broadcasters, not governments, and notes Israel’s long history in the contest, including several wins. The event views itself as apolitical and stresses that it adheres to its established rules, with public sentiment playing a role in the ongoing discussions about participation.
Petitions and public statements have circulated online, including a popular Change.org initiative gathering thousands of signatures and a number of musical groups expressing their views in support of or in opposition to the current discourse. Various international voices have weighed in, including comments from artists who have linked the conflict to humanitarian concerns, while others have urged a focus on the music itself.
What Spanish artists say
The duo spoke about respecting the festival’s decisions and suggested that events should not be tied to politics, even as they acknowledged that politics inevitably intersects with cultural events. A number of the festival’s attendees voiced cautious positions, recognizing the complexity of the situation while remaining committed to performing.
A prominent artist expressed uncertainty about speaking for others, noting the personal hardship faced by families on both sides of the conflict. The sentiment emphasized that the festival should not be positioned to favor one group over another but should consider the well-being of citizens affected by the dispute.
Other performers preferred to avoid political debate, focusing on music and shared experiences instead. The stance from this group highlighted a belief that artistic expression remains the primary aim of the event and that music serves as a universal language that can bridge divides.
Among the competing acts, some artists argued for a consistent approach, suggesting that if one country could be excluded, others with controversial actions might face similar scrutiny. The discussion reflected a broader debate about fairness and the purpose of the festival as a platform for cultural exchange.
The enduring performers of the edition, who first joined Eurovision in 2009, recalled earlier collaborations with Palestinian artists and expressed a hope that music can contribute to peaceful outcomes. The music selected for the competition includes works that speak to resilience and the search for an alternative path amid conflict, underscoring a belief in the power of culture to foster dialogue.