The Icelandic broadcaster RÚV has announced that a final decision on the country's participation in the Eurovision Song Contest 2024 in Malmö hasn't been made. The broadcaster will decide after consulting with the winner of the national competition Söngvakeppnin who will represent the country on Eurovision.
The broadcaster stated that uncertainty about Iceland's participation in the international song contest arose due to the ongoing war in the Gaza Strip, and many Icelandic viewers are dissatisfied with Israel competing.
In December, the Association of Composers and Lyricists of Iceland urged RÚV to boycott Eurovision 2024 in protest against Israel. "It is our collective duty to take a stand against war and the murder of innocent civilians, including children. We always have a choice not to associate our names with such actions, whether we are individuals or state institutions.," the association said in a statement on its Facebook page.
Iceland has previously opposed Israel's participation in the contest. In 2019, the country objected to the final being held in Jerusalem.
In early December, the European Broadcasting Union responded to media and broadcasters in various countries that requested to ban Israel from participating in the song contest. The organizers stated that Israel complies with all the competition requirements and will participate alongside 36 other contestants this year.
