Thursday marked the biggest crisis in the history of the Eurovision Song Contest.

Four countries pulled out over Israel's continued participation in the competition, and more may follow.

The boycott includes Ireland, which has won seven times - a tally matched only by Sweden - and five-time winner the Netherlands.

Spain, one of the contest's biggest financial backers, and Slovenia, are also out.

The row exposes a deep rift within the Eurovision family. And it's a situation that's been looming for years, amid festering tension over Israel's conduct during the war in Gaza.