What's happened
Nine Eurovision contestants, including the UK's Olly Alexander, have expressed solidarity with Palestine and Israel, calling for peace and a ceasefire. Olly Alexander has rejected calls to boycott Eurovision, emphasizing the unifying power of music.
Why it matters
The solidarity expressed by Eurovision contestants highlights the ongoing conflict in the region and the importance of using music as a platform for peace. The rejection of the boycott by Olly Alexander underscores the belief in fostering unity and dialogue through cultural exchange.
What the papers say
The Times of Israel and The Guardian report on the joint statement released by Eurovision contestants expressing solidarity with Palestine, while BBC News and Sky News cover Olly Alexander's decision to reject calls for a boycott and his belief in the unifying power of music.
How we got here
Calls for boycotts of Eurovision over Israel's participation have been ongoing due to the conflict in Gaza. The joint statement by the contestants reflects a desire to stand in solidarity with the oppressed and promote peace through music.
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The Eurovision Song Contest is an international song competition organised annually by the European Broadcasting Union and featuring participants representing primarily European countries.
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Originally meaning "strange" or "peculiar", queer came to be used pejoratively against those with same-sex desires or relationships in the late 19th century