Spanish broadcaster voices support for Palestine ahead of Eurovision final

MADRID/ANKARA

Spanish public broadcaster RTVE aired a pro-Palestinian message on Saturday ahead of the Eurovision Song Contest final, defying a warning from the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) as Israel’s participation in the event sparked protests.

Just before switching to the live broadcast, RTVE aired a bilingual message in Spanish and English that read: “When it comes to human rights, silence is not an option. Peace and justice for Palestine.”

The message received widespread support on social media and from pro-Palestinian groups.

During the Israeli contestant Yuval Raphael’s introductory video, RTVE hosts Tony Aguilar and Julia Varela addressed the conflict in Gaza.

“This year, RTVE asked Eurovision to debate Israel’s participation in the contest,” they said. “According to the UN, the number of victims of Israeli attacks in Gaza exceeds 50,000, including more than 15,000 children. This is not a petition against any country, but a call for peace, justice, and respect for human rights.”

RTVE’s position came after pressure from Spain’s left-wing coalition partner, Sumar, which in April called on the EBU to reconsider Israel’s participation due to its actions in Gaza.

The EBU rejected the request. However, during the contest's second semifinal, Spain's RTVE made reference to the Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip, prompting a formal warning from the EBU that the broadcaster could face sanctions.

- Protests in Basel

Meanwhile, pro-Palestinian demonstrations intensified in Basel, the Swiss city where the final, won by Austria, was held.

Clashes broke out Saturday evening between protesters and riot police near the St. Jakobshalle arena, shortly before Israel’s performance.

Demonstrators marched through the city center, waving Palestinian flags and holding banners that read “No Music for Murder” and “Singing while Gaza Burns.” Many wore keffiyehs and lit red and green smoke flares.

According to Swiss news agency Keystone-ATS, tensions escalated when two individuals approached the crowd waving Israeli flags, triggering police intervention.

Scuffles broke out, and police used tear gas and water cannons to stop protesters from advancing further into central Basel.

A female demonstrator, her face smeared with red paint, held a prop resembling a bloodied infant, symbolizing the thousands of children killed in Gaza.

The Israeli army has continued its brutal offensive on the Gaza Strip since Oct. 7, 2023, killing more than 53,000 Palestinians, most of them women and children.

The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants last November for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and then-Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.

Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its war on the enclave.

Throughout the week leading up to the final, smaller anti-Israel protests occurred across Basel.

Hundreds gathered at Barfusserplatz on Wednesday and again on Saturday, demanding the EBU to exclude Israel from future contests.

​​​​​​​Meanwhile, the Israeli National Security Council issued a warning to its citizens in Basel, advising them to keep a low profile and avoid confrontations.