Eurovision Was Traditionally a Campy Joy – But It Has Evolved Into a Cynical Way to Sanitize Conflict.

A recent term came to light a couple of months following the onset of the intensive bombing of Gaza by Israel. Known as WCNSF, it signifies “Child casualty without any family left”. This designation is specific to Gaza, per insights from medical experts including paediatricians. Typically, it is unusual for medical staff to care for a minor who has lost their entire family. Yet, there has been absolutely nothing ordinary about the genocide in Gaza, where whole bloodlines have been eradicated and the number of child amputees exceeds that of any other region in the world. No sense of normalcy about numerous doctors arriving back from a devastated terrain with testimonies of children being deliberately targeted.

A Living Nightmare Despite a Reported Truce

The Gaza Strip continues to be a profound humanitarian disaster. Critical healthcare resources are not getting in those in need, and groups like Amnesty International assert that violations are continuing. Authorities has denied these allegations, just as it refutes everything it is accused of. Meanwhile, while grieving children who lost parents are now freezing in improvised encampments, there is some ostensibly positive news: apparently nothing is going to stop the Eurovision song contest from continuing with its declared purpose of “togetherness and cultural exchange.” The contest will continue to offer a welcoming platform for Israel, even though a number of European countries have now withdrawn in objection. And this, it seems, is what international harmony looks like.

The contest, notably excluded Russia from taking part in 2022 because of the “unprecedented crisis in Ukraine”. But the crisis in Gaza is completely different.

A Double Standard

Overlook the circumstance that Israel was criticized for questionable voting tactics last year in what could be seen as an effort to manipulate Eurovision. Set aside the news that a toddler was reportedly killed in Gaza just days ago. Neglect the data that aggression from Israeli settlers and forced displacement in the West Bank have increased dramatically. Forget the fact that foreign reporters are still blocked from freely reporting in Gaza. None of this, it would seem, should be permitted to obstruct of Eurovision’s much-touted ethos of unity.

The Pageant Proceeds Amidst Unimaginable Suffering

The contest turns 70 next year – almost double the average life expectancy of someone in Gaza now. The event will proceed, but it will never be able to restore the camp joy it was formerly known for. A competition that once promoted peace has transformed into a blatant mechanism to whitewash war.