Brussels: Fifty-two members of the European Parliament from 15 countries on Thursday called on the European Broadcasting Union to bar Israel from the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest, citing the ongoing war in Gaza.

According to Anadolu Agency, the lawmakers addressed a letter to the European Broadcasting Union, arguing that Israel should receive the same treatment as Russia, which was excluded from the competition in 2022 following its invasion of Ukraine. The initiative was led by left-leaning parties within the European Parliament.

The letter highlighted ongoing investigations by the International Criminal Court into alleged war crimes and genocide by Israel, asserting that Israel's participation in the contest would undermine European values and normalize atrocities.

The call for Israel's exclusion comes after several countries, including Iceland, Ireland, the Netherlands, Slovenia, and Spain, indicated they would not participate in Eurovision if Israel is allowed to compete.