Israel's Eurovision contestant 'shocked' by protests during semi-final show

Key developments are emerging from the global stage. Israel's Eurovision entry 'shocked' by protests during semi-final show18 minutes ago Share Save Add as preferred on GoogleMark Savage ,Music correspondent, in ViennaandNomia IqbalEPANoam Bettan was met by a mixture of cheering and boos on Tuesday nightIsrael's contestant at the Eurovision Song Contest has said he was surprised by protests that disrupted his semi-final performance. Several audience members - including one with "Free Palestine" written across his chest - were removed from Vienna's Wiener Stadthalle on Tuesday night after chants of "stop the genocide" were heard during the song. "I was aware," Israel's entry Noam Bettan told the .

"I heard there was booing and everything, and there was a moment of, like, a wow effect, you know? A little bit of shock. "Israel's presence at Eurovision has been contentious since the start of the war in Gaza in 2023.

The Details

The public broadcasters of five countries - Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland, Iceland and Slovenia - are boycotting this year's event, making it the smallest since 2003. Irish broadcaster RTÉ said Ireland's involvement was "unconscionable given the appalling loss of lives in Gaza", and Dutch broadcaster Avrotros said the Netherlands' participation was "incompatible with the public values ​​that are essential to us". Israeli broadcaster Kan has described their absences as a "cultural boycott" which "harms freedom of creation and freedom of expression".

Bettan, 28, said he was hopeful the five broadcasters could return for future contests. "It's bad for them," he said. "They're losing the opportunity to be in this amazing experience.

So I am full of hope that next year they can sing and spread their light. "ReutersDespite being accompanied by armed guards, Bettan said he had received a "warm welcome" in ViennaThe five broadcasters' criticisms have been echoed by human rights group Amnesty International, which said the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) had "betrayed humanity" by allowing Israel to compete. The Gaza war was triggered by the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on 7 October 2023, when about 1,200 people were killed and 251 others were taken hostage.

What Experts Say

Israel responded by launching a military campaign in Gaza, during which more than 72,740 people have been killed, according to the territory's Hamas-run health ministry, whose figures are considered reliable by the UN. Israel has strongly denied the allegation from Amnesty International and other human rights groups that its forces have committed genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. 'Can't prepare for booing'After Bettan's initial shock at the chants during Tuesday's semi-final, he said he "looked for the flags of the people who love me and want me to do my best, and that really carried me".

It is not the first time Israel's performance has been disrupted in recent years. Singer Eden Golan faced a similar chorus of cheers and boos as she sang in Sweden two years ago.

The development has drawn wide international attention, with diplomatic circles watching closely.