An unprecedented protest is shaking the foundations of this year’s Eurovision Song Contest, as 72 former contestants from across Europe have demanded Israel’s exclusion, accusing it of committing genocide in Gaza and using music to whitewash its crimes.

In an open letter, the artists denounced Israel’s participation as incompatible with Eurovision’s message of unity and peace. Their call comes as the Strip continues to endure relentless bombardment, with thousands of Palestinians killed and much of Gaza’s infrastructure reduced to rubble.

Signatories include UK’s Mae Muller, Ireland’s Charlie McGettigan, and Portugal’s Fernando Tordo, who described the inclusion of Israel’s state broadcaster Kan as a moral failure. The letter also condemned the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) for what it called a blatant double standard, citing Russia’s exclusion in 2022 over its invasion of Ukraine.

Tensions escalated further after Irish entrant Bambi Thug revealed they had received threats incited by Kan and subsequently pulled out of rehearsals. A past incident involving a Kan journalist writing messages on bombs destined for Gaza was cited as further evidence of incitement and disregard for human life.

Broadcasters in Spain, Iceland, and Slovenia have already distanced themselves from this year’s contest, objecting to Israel’s participation. While the EBU maintains it is “monitoring the situation,” Palestinians see this moment as a growing cultural reckoning.

For many in Gaza, the protest is more than symbolic — it reflects a rare moment of international solidarity against the erasure of Palestinian suffering on global stages. As bombs fall and the world sings, a chorus of dissent grows louder, demanding accountability, justice, and the end of impunity.