Ireland to Boycott Eurovision for Second Consecutive Year Over Israel's Participation

Ireland will not take part in the Eurovision Song Contest for a second year in a row, its public broadcaster has announced, citing Israel's continued inclusion in the competition.

According to Al Jazeera, the broadcaster said Ireland's participation could not be justified amid what it described as the "appalling and ongoing loss of lives in Gaza."

The decision extends a boycott that Ireland first adopted the previous year, reflecting continued objections from the broadcaster over Israel's presence in the contest during the conflict in Gaza.

Eurovision, organized by the European Broadcasting Union, has faced growing pressure from several national broadcasters and public figures over Israel's participation since the war in Gaza began, though organizers have maintained Israel's eligibility to compete.

Al Jazeera did not report further details on whether other countries plan similar action or how organizers have responded to Ireland's decision.