The 2026 Eurovision Song Contest is experiencing its most severe crisis, marked by a five-country boycott and audience protests. These actions are a direct response to Israel's participation during the ongoing war in Gaza.

<img alt="A person holds a Palestinian flag during a protest against the participation of Israel at the Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna, Austria, May 12, 2026." height="349" src="https://i.cbc.ca/ais/ed95c78d-b33b-4c4d-a1a9-71bc7c1b27f3,1778674445506/full/max/0/default.jpg?im=Crop%2Crect%3D%280%2C287%2C5500%2C3093%29%3BResize%3D%28620%29" title="A person holds a Palestinian flag during a protest against the participation of Israel at the Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna, Austria, May 12, 2026...