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Spain, Ireland, Others Pull Out of Eurovision Over Gaza War

5/16/2026

30 7 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Spain will not attend the 70th-anniversary Eurovision Song Contest because of Israel’s war in Gaza.
Ireland, the Netherlands, Slovenia and Iceland also withdraw, citing the humanitarian crisis from the conflict.
EBU director-general De Tender says the union is engaging with broadcasters and hopes they will return next year.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez argues there can be no double standards and that silence is not an option.

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Story summary

Spain will not attend the 70th-anniversary Eurovision Song Contest because of Israel’s war in Gaza.
Ireland, the Netherlands, Slovenia and Iceland also withdraw, citing the humanitarian crisis from the conflict.
EBU director-general De Tender says the union is engaging with broadcasters and hopes they will return next year.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez argues there can be no double standards and that silence is not an option.