English

More about this topic

Culture news

170 Belgian artists denounce Eurovision 2026 participation

A collective of 170 Belgian artists and cultural personalities has denounced public broadcaster RTBF’s decision to take part in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest as Israel is set to compete despite “its war of extermination” in Gaza.

West Bank

Israel approves proposal for 19 new Jewish settlements in West Bank

The decision is a harsh blow to the Palestinian state and brings the total number of new settlements over the past few years to 69.

Culture news

Hundreds of musicians urge Live Nation to drop operations in Israel

"We can no longer allow our music to be used to artwash apartheid, genocide or oppression against any people," a new open letter reads – with signatories including Massive Attack and Brian Eno.

USA

Portuguese MIT professor shot dead at home in Massachusetts

MIT professor Nuno Loureiro, 47, was shot dead at his Massachusetts home Monday. No arrests have been made in the ongoing homicide investigation.

ADVERTISEMENT

Culture news

Eurovision 2026: Palestinian flags and booing will not be censored

Austrian public broadcaster ORF, host of the upcoming Eurovision Song Contest, has confirmed it will not prohibit the Palestinian flag or drown out any booing aimed at Israel's performance. "Our task is to show things as they are."

Culture news

Ireland’s Eurovision winner joins Nemo in returning winners' trophy

Eurovision Song Contest winner Charlie McGettigan joins last year's winner Nemo in returning their winners’ trophy. This is in protest at Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2026.

Gaza

Gaza doctor allegedly killed hostage by injecting air into her veins

Nineteen-year-old Noa Marciano was one of 251 people taken as hostages back to Gaza in the 7 October 2023 Hamas-led attack on Israel.

Iran

Iran admits false claim it shot down Israeli F-35s in 12-day conflict

Iran's state broadcaster admitted falsely reporting that two Israeli F-35 jets were shot down during the 12-day conflict in June, saying it relied on unreliable information from a military official.

Culture news

Eurovision champion Nemo returns trophy to protest Israel's inclusion

The contest, which turns 70 in 2026, strives to put pop before politics, but has repeatedly been embroiled in world events.

Culture news

Eurovision crisis: Is Portugal’s 2026 entry at risk?

"We do not accept complicity with the violation of Human Rights," the Portuguese artists said in a joint statement, referencing Israel's actions in Gaza -which an independent United Nations inquiry found to be a genocide.

Culture news

Iceland to boycott 2026 Eurovision over Israel's participation

The announcement from RÚV comes a week after four other countries announced they were pulling out of next year's Eurovision in protest against Israel’s participation.

World News

Netanyahu says second phase of ceasefire expected 'very shortly'

The meeting between Merz and Netanyahu revealed clear differences in their stance on Gaza and the two-state solution, however both leaders emphasised their commitment to maintaining a close bilateral relationship.

World News

Merz promotes peace plan with Abbas ahead of visit to Israel

In the run-up to his trip to Israel, the German Chancellor spoke with Mahmoud Abbas about the US peace plan and called for reforms in the Palestinian leadership. The goal remains a negotiated solution for more security in the region.

Cinema

'The Voice of Hind Rajab': The reality of the Gaza war through fiction

How can filmmakers tell the horrors of the war in Gaza without distorting reality? With 'The Voice of Hind Rajab', director Kaouther Ben Hania offers an answer, halfway between documentary and fiction.

Culture news

Eurovision 2026 crisis: Israel kept in - Who’s out and what next?

The organizers of next year's Eurovision Song Contest announced they were allowing Israel to compete. This drew quick announcements of withdrawals from several European countries critical of the Israeli offensive in Gaza. Here's everything you need to know and what might be next for Eurovision 2026.

Switzerland

Four countries boycott Eurovision after Israel allowed to take part

The contest, whose 70th edition is scheduled for Vienna in May, pits acts from dozens of nations against one another for the continent's musical crown.

Israel

Euroviews. Europe's new linkage is a dangerous fantasy

The future of European stability lies not in the Middle East, but in Europe’s own willingness to confront the challenges it has allowed to grow unchecked for far too long, MK Ohad Tal writes in an opinion article for Euronews.

Culture news

Eurovision members debate Israeli boycott – will there be a vote?

Israel's participation in the Eurovision Song Contest is being debated at a two-day meeting of member broadcasters in Geneva starting today. Eurovision could vote on Israel’s involvement as more countries threaten boycott next year’s event in Austria.

Europe Today

Watch: Eurovision 2026 — the sound of music? Not for everyone

The 2026 edition of Eurovision is facing a historic meltdown, with some countries threatening to boycott the party.

Germany

Germany activates Arrow 3 missile defence system bought from Israel

Israel has long relied on a multilayered missile defence system, including the Arrow, to protect communities around the country from rocket barrages from militants in Gaza and Lebanon.

Get the latest news on Israel’s politics, society, culture, and regional relations. Stay updated with clear analysis and reports on key events shaping the country.