Eurovision Was Once a Lighthearted Spectacle – But It Has Evolved Into a Calculated Tool to Whitewash War.

An freshly coined acronym emerged several months after the start of Israel’s bombardment of Gaza. Referred to as WCNSF, it stands for “Wounded child, no surviving family”. This term is unique to Gaza, per insights from doctors like child health specialists. Normally, it is uncommon for doctors to care for a young patient who has lost their complete family. Yet, there has been no semblance of normality about the devastating conflict in Gaza, where entire family lineages have been wiped out and the number of children who have lost limbs is greater than that of any other place in the world. Nothing normal about scores of doctors coming back from a devastated terrain with reports of children being deliberately targeted.

A Hell on Earth Despite a Reported Truce

Conditions in Gaza persist as hell on earth. Essential medical supplies are not getting in those in need, and international watchdogs contend that violations are continuing. Authorities rejects these accusations, consistent with how it denies each claim it is charged with. Meanwhile, while young survivors are now freezing in improvised encampments, there is a piece of uplifting information: nothing is going to stop the international singing competition from continuing with its professed goal of “togetherness and artistic sharing.” The contest will continue to roll out a prestigious stage for Israel, even though at least four European countries have now pulled out in protest. And this, apparently, is what global togetherness manifests as.

The contest, notably excluded Russia from taking part in 2022 due to the “grave situation in Ukraine”. However, the situation in Gaza appears to be completely different.

A Double Standard

Overlook the circumstance that Israel was alleged to have used questionable voting tactics last year in what could be seen as an effort to manipulate Eurovision. Forget the fact that a toddler was reportedly killed in Gaza recently. Neglect the data that aggression from Israeli settlers and systematic expulsions in the West Bank have surged. Overlook the situation that foreign reporters are still blocked from freely reporting in Gaza. None of this, it would seem, should be seen as a barrier of Eurovision’s self-proclaimed spirit of unity.

The Contest Continues Against a Backdrop of Profound Human Cost

Eurovision turns 70 next year – roughly two times the current lifespan of a person in Gaza at present. The broadcast will air, but it will never be able to restore the pure, unadulterated fun it was formerly known for. A competition that was originally built on peace has now become a transparent instrument to provide a cultural veneer for conflict.