Spanish Prime Minister Calls for Israel's Expulsion from Eurovision Amid Gaza Conflict
Pedro Sánchez compares Israel's situation to Russia's exclusion from international competitions over its actions in Ukraine.
Pedro Sánchez, the Prime Minister of Spain, has called for Israel to be expelled from the Eurovision Song Contest, drawing parallels to Russia's exclusion from various international events following its invasion of Ukraine.
During a news conference on Monday, Sánchez stated, "No one raised their hands in alarm when Russia was expelled from international competitions.
Israel should not be allowed to participate either," referencing the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Sánchez emphasized Spain's commitment to international law, stating that there must not be double standards, including in cultural arenas.
His remarks coincided with the presentation of a report titled 'The Cultural and Creative Sectors in Spain' at the Museo del Traje in Madrid.
Accompanied by ministers, Sánchez's comments reflect a growing tension regarding Israel's actions in Gaza and Spain’s foreign policy stance.
This statement follows a recent Eurovision event where Spain's public broadcaster, RTVE, urged peace and justice for Gaza, leading to controversy and tension with the European Broadcasting Union.
Additionally, Sánchez announced on Saturday that Spain plans to propose a resolution to the United Nations advocating for increased pressure on Israel to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza, amid escalating civilian casualties.
During a session of government oversight, Sánchez referred to Israel as a “genocidal state,” prompting a diplomatic response in which Spain’s ambassador to Israel was summoned for a reprimand.
He advocated for the importance of using culture to defend values under scrutiny, taking aim at individuals advocating for silence among artists regarding political matters.
The Spanish government reaffirmed its support for RTVE following the backlash.
Minister of Digital Transformation Óscar López expressed pride in the broadcaster's representation of Spain’s stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
He criticized political opposition parties, claiming they displayed hatred and inhumanity in their responses to RTVE's messages regarding Gaza.
López mentioned that RTVE is facing pressure due to its call for a debate over Israel's participation in Eurovision and noted that various countries are also seeking clarity on how the voting distribution occurred in the contest, especially concerning Israel’s high score from Spanish voters.
In addition to governmental figures, representatives from the political group Sumar and other left-leaning parties have joined Sánchez in calling for Israel's exclusion from Eurovision.
They argue for a total severance of diplomatic and commercial relations with Israel, citing perceived double standards by the Eurovision organizing body.
Further, they have proposed that funds raised through voting should be directed toward humanitarian aid in Gaza through UN agencies, addressing the severe humanitarian crisis stemming from the ongoing conflict.
ERC, another coalition partner, has similarly voiced its support for the cessation of relations with Israel, aligning with Sánchez's stance on Eurovision.
These developments underscore the increasing politicization of cultural events and the intersection of international diplomacy and entertainment.
During a news conference on Monday, Sánchez stated, "No one raised their hands in alarm when Russia was expelled from international competitions.
Israel should not be allowed to participate either," referencing the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Sánchez emphasized Spain's commitment to international law, stating that there must not be double standards, including in cultural arenas.
His remarks coincided with the presentation of a report titled 'The Cultural and Creative Sectors in Spain' at the Museo del Traje in Madrid.
Accompanied by ministers, Sánchez's comments reflect a growing tension regarding Israel's actions in Gaza and Spain’s foreign policy stance.
This statement follows a recent Eurovision event where Spain's public broadcaster, RTVE, urged peace and justice for Gaza, leading to controversy and tension with the European Broadcasting Union.
Additionally, Sánchez announced on Saturday that Spain plans to propose a resolution to the United Nations advocating for increased pressure on Israel to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza, amid escalating civilian casualties.
During a session of government oversight, Sánchez referred to Israel as a “genocidal state,” prompting a diplomatic response in which Spain’s ambassador to Israel was summoned for a reprimand.
He advocated for the importance of using culture to defend values under scrutiny, taking aim at individuals advocating for silence among artists regarding political matters.
The Spanish government reaffirmed its support for RTVE following the backlash.
Minister of Digital Transformation Óscar López expressed pride in the broadcaster's representation of Spain’s stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
He criticized political opposition parties, claiming they displayed hatred and inhumanity in their responses to RTVE's messages regarding Gaza.
López mentioned that RTVE is facing pressure due to its call for a debate over Israel's participation in Eurovision and noted that various countries are also seeking clarity on how the voting distribution occurred in the contest, especially concerning Israel’s high score from Spanish voters.
In addition to governmental figures, representatives from the political group Sumar and other left-leaning parties have joined Sánchez in calling for Israel's exclusion from Eurovision.
They argue for a total severance of diplomatic and commercial relations with Israel, citing perceived double standards by the Eurovision organizing body.
Further, they have proposed that funds raised through voting should be directed toward humanitarian aid in Gaza through UN agencies, addressing the severe humanitarian crisis stemming from the ongoing conflict.
ERC, another coalition partner, has similarly voiced its support for the cessation of relations with Israel, aligning with Sánchez's stance on Eurovision.
These developments underscore the increasing politicization of cultural events and the intersection of international diplomacy and entertainment.
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