Ireland won't take part in Eurovision 2027 over Israel

Ireland will not take part in the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest for the second year in a row, broadcaster RTE says, citing the ongoing loss of life in Gaza.

Ireland was one of five countries to not take part in the 2026 edition in protest at Israel's participation, with Iceland, Netherlands, Slovenia and Spain.

Dutch public broadcaster AvroTros said in August that it would boycott again in 2027.

"RTE feels that Ireland's participation cannot be justified given the appalling and ongoing loss of lives in Gaza and the humanitarian crisis there which continues to put the lives of so many civilians at risk," the broadcaster said in a statement on Thursday.

RTE said it would not take part in 2027 or broadcast the competition, which will take place in Burgas, on Bulgaria's Black Sea coast.