The Eurovision Song Contest Used to Be a Lighthearted Spectacle – But It Has Become a Calculated Tool to Whitewash War.

A freshly coined acronym surfaced several months following the onset of the intensive bombing of Gaza by Israel. Referred to as WCNSF, it signifies “Child casualty without any family left”. This acronym is specific to Gaza, per insights from doctors including child health specialists. Typically, it is uncommon for medical staff to treat a child who has been bereaved of their complete family. But, there has been nothing “normal” about the genocide in Gaza, where complete genealogies have been eradicated and the number of child amputees surpasses that of any other region in the world. No sense of normalcy in numerous doctors arriving back from a sea of ruins with testimonies of children being systematically aimed at.

A Living Nightmare Despite a Supposed Ceasefire

The Gaza Strip continues to be hell on earth. Vital medicines and equipment are not getting in those in need, and international watchdogs have stated that violations are still being committed. Authorities has denied these accusations, just as it denies all charges it is accused of. Yet as traumatised orphans are now suffering from the cold in temporary shelters, there is a little heartwarming news: nothing is going to stop the Eurovision from continuing with its professed goal of “togetherness and artistic sharing.” The contest will continue to extend a blood-red carpet for Israel, although at least four European countries have now pulled out in protest. And this, apparently, is what international harmony manifests as.

Eurovision, of course prohibited Russia from competing in 2022 over the “unprecedented crisis in Ukraine”. However, the situation in Gaza seems completely different.

A Double Standard

Forget the fact that Israel was accused of unfair vote practices last year in what could be seen as an effort to manipulate Eurovision. Ignore the report that a three-year-old girl was reportedly killed in Gaza recently. Forget the fact that attacks by settlers and coerced removal in the West Bank have increased dramatically. Overlook the situation that international journalists are still prevented from unfettered access in Gaza. This entire context, evidently, should be seen as a barrier of Eurovision’s self-proclaimed spirit of unity.

The Contest Continues Amidst Unimaginable Suffering

The contest marks seven decades next year – nearly twice the average life expectancy of a person in Gaza at present. The event will proceed, but it will likely never recapture the whimsical pleasure it historically embodied. A contest that once promoted togetherness has now become a transparent instrument to whitewash war.