Spain’s Culture Minister Ernest Urtasun has accused Eurovision organisers of using culture to “whitewash” the war in Gaza, sharply criticizing the European Broadcasting Union’s decision to allow Israel to participate in the contest.
“The decision I would criticise, which I think is wrong, is the decision of the EBU board to allow Israel to participate,” Urtasun said in an interview with Euronews flagship programme Europe Today. “This is what is wrong from the beginning.”
The minister rejected the idea that the music itself was causing division around this year’s contest, arguing instead that controversy stemmed from Israel’s inclusion amid the ongoing war in Gaza.
“It’s not music that is dividing people,” Urtasun said. “Music is a moment of celebration. Eurovision has always been a moment of celebration.”
But he said cultural events involving national representation could not ignore international conflicts and accusations surrounding Israel’s military campaign in Gaza.
