Eurovision Was Once a Whimsical Delight – However It Has Transformed Into a Calculated Tool to Gloss Over Warfare.

A recent term came to light several months after the start of the military campaign against Gaza. Known as WCNSF, it signifies “Injured child with no living relatives”. This term is found only in Gaza, according to health professionals including child health specialists. Ordinarily, it is unusual for medical staff to attend to a young patient who has seen the death of their entire family. However, there has been absolutely nothing ordinary concerning the genocide in Gaza, where entire family lineages have been eradicated and the number of child amputees is greater than that of any other place in the world. Nothing normal about many doctors returning from a devastated terrain with testimonies of children being systematically aimed at.

A Living Nightmare Despite a Supposed Ceasefire

Gaza remains hell on earth. Vital medicines and equipment are not getting in those in need, and international watchdogs assert that violations are still being committed. Authorities rejects these allegations, just as it refutes everything it is charged with. But while young survivors are now enduring frigid conditions in improvised encampments, there is some ostensibly positive news: apparently nothing is going to stop the Eurovision from pursuing its declared purpose of “togetherness and artistic sharing.” Eurovision will continue to extend a prestigious stage for Israel, although a number of European countries have now pulled out in protest. Because this, apparently, is what global togetherness resembles.

Eurovision, of course excluded Russia from competing in 2022 over the “serious conflict in Ukraine”. Yet the conflict in Gaza appears to be treated differently.

A Double Standard

Disregard the reality that Israel was alleged to have used irregular participation methods last year in what could be seen as an bid to politicise Eurovision. Set aside the news that a young child was allegedly fatally struck in Gaza on a recent Sunday. Neglect the data that settler violence and systematic expulsions in the West Bank have escalated. Overlook the situation that international journalists are still prevented from independent reporting in Gaza. None of this, it would seem, should be seen as a barrier of Eurovision’s cherished spirit of unity.

The Show Goes On Amidst Staggering Tragedy

The contest turns 70 next year – nearly twice the average life expectancy of a person in Gaza at present. The broadcast will air, but it will never be able to restore the camp joy it once represented. A competition that initially championed harmony has devolved into a blatant mechanism to whitewash war.