The 70th Eurovision Song Contest was held in Vienna this year, while next year’s edition will take place in Bulgaria’s Black Sea city of Burgas. (EPA Images pic)THE HAGUE: The Netherlands will not participate in next year's Eurovision Song Contest, its public broadcaster NPO said Tuesday, citing "sensitivities" over Israel's participation.
The Dutch withdrawal is the latest in a series of boycotts from countries unhappy at Israel's inclusion in the annual music festival, given its military campaign in Gaza sparked by the Oct 7 Hamas attacks.
"We have known for some time that Israel's participation elicits various reactions in society and causes discussion and division," said Jurre Bosman, NPO's media director, in a statement.
