Ireland boycotts 2027 Eurovision over Gaza crisis

Ireland will not participate in or broadcast the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest, national broadcaster RTÉ confirmed on Thursday, marking the country's second consecutive boycott of the event over Israel's inclusion. The decision was announced in a statement citing the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. RTÉ stated that Ireland's participation "cannot be justified given the appalling and ongoing loss of lives in Gaza and the humanitarian crisis there which continues to put the lives of so many civilians at risk." The broadcaster also expressed deep concern over "the continued denial of independent access to international journalists to the territory." The 2027 contest is scheduled to be held in Burgas, Bulgaria. RTÉ confirmed it will neither send an entry nor broadcast the competition. The European Broadcasting Union, which organizes Eurovision, responded to the announcement. "We regret that RTÉ will not be participating in the Eurovision Song Contest in 2027, but we fully respect their decision and recognise the huge contribution they have made to the Contest," said Martin Green, Director of the Eurovision Song Contest.