Eurovision expresses disappointment over performer wearing pro-Palestinian symbol | The Express Tribune
tribune.com.pk
Eric Saade of Sweden wore a keffiyeh at Eurovision 2024, showing support for Palestine amid controversy over Israel's involvement.

The musician was seen wearing a keffiyeh on his arm, a symbol commonly used to show support for Palestine.

In reponse, a representative of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) said in a statement: “All performers are made aware of the rules of the contest, and we regret that Eric Saade chose to compromise the non-political nature of the event.”

Despite facing criticism for its decision not to exclude Israel and worldwide protests condemning the organizers’ choice, the competition maintained its stance.

“Politics does influence the event from time to time,” said Paul Jordan, a contest enthusiast and researcher who was part of its communications team from 2015 to 2018, in an interview with CNN.

However, he noted, “the presence of Israel has become such a big issue (that) I think it’s going to overshadow the event.”

The news comes during Israel’s seizure and closure of the Rafah crossing in Gaza, which has raised concerns that already-scarce food and medical supplies will be further depleted and lead to a “catastrophic” humanitarian disaster.

  • Devi@kbin.social
    8·
    8 months ago

    You seem to be speaking as if genocide is the goal of every war. It’s really not, and in fact it’s against international law which most countries stick to.

    Genocide is quite rare through history because generally once you have complete dominion over a people you stop and start to rebuild. In the Iraq war (which was quite an extreme war with quite a lot of rule breaking) they allowed the people to eat, they allowed aid trucks free access, there were even British hospitals that treated Iraqis. Most importantly they took measures to reduce civilian casualties, like avoiding conflict in populated areas.

    This ‘war’ is not following any of those rules. The people are not allowed to leave, aid providers are being directly targeted, any supply of medical equipment is prevented from access.

    Anyone at this point sitting on the fence going “Well both sides are in the wrong” is either misinformed or evil.