SAFA — Amnesty International has urged the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) to suspend Israel from the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest, warning that its continued participation provides a platform to divert attention from Israel's genocide in Gaza and its policies against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank.

The appeal follows Dutch public broadcaster NPO's decision to withdraw from Eurovision 2027 over Israel's continued participation, adding to growing pressure on the EBU to reconsider Israel's eligibility.

Amnesty: Eurovision Must Not Whitewash Israeli Crimes

Steve Cockburn, Amnesty International's director for Europe, said the Dutch withdrawal sends a clear message that cultural platforms must not be used to whitewash genocide, ethnic cleansing and apartheid against Palestinians.

He criticized the EBU's refusal to suspend Israel despite continuing Israeli attacks and violations of Palestinian rights.

Amnesty warned that Israel's participation in Eurovision risks normalizing its actions in Gaza while diverting international attention from the destruction, killings and forced displacement of Palestinians.

The organization also highlighted Israeli policies in the occupied West Bank, warning that settlement expansion, annexation measures and forced displacement are advancing alongside the ongoing crisis in Gaza.

Amnesty called on the EBU, its member broadcasters and partners to suspend Israel's participation, insisting that international cultural events must not become platforms for concealing serious human rights violations.

Dutch Withdrawal Increases Pressure on Eurovision Organizers

Dutch public broadcaster NPO announced its withdrawal from Eurovision 2027 after consultations with other broadcasters failed to secure sufficient support for its position on Israel's participation.

The broadcaster cited concerns about Israel's continued involvement in the contest, joining a widening debate over whether the competition should provide a stage to a country facing accusations of genocide and other grave violations of international law.

Amnesty welcomed the Dutch decision and urged other European broadcasters to take similar action.

The dispute places renewed pressure on the EBU to address demands for Israel's suspension as Palestinians continue to face Israeli military attacks, forced displacement and restrictions across the occupied Palestinian territories.

For Amnesty, the issue extends beyond a music competition: it concerns whether international cultural institutions should continue providing platforms to states accused of committing grave crimes against civilian populations.