Ireland Withdraws from Eurovision 2027 Due to Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza

Ireland, which previously withdrew from the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest along with Wales, Iceland, Netherlands, Slovenia and Spain, decided to continue the boycott decision due to Israel's ongoing attacks on Gaza and the escalating humanitarian crisis in the region. Irish national broadcaster RTE officially announced that it will not participate in the organization planned to be held in Bulgaria in 2027 and will not broadcast the event.

In the official statement made by RTE, drawing attention to the situation in Gaza, it was stated that "RTE considers that Ireland's participation cannot be justified, considering the terrible and ongoing loss of life in Gaza and the humanitarian crisis that endangers the lives of many civilians." The statement also emphasized the deep concern that international journalists are constantly blocked from independent access to the region.

The broadcaster stated that not only will it not participate in the competition, but it will also not assume the broadcasting rights of the organization to be held in Bulgaria. After the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) approved the participation of Israeli public broadcaster KAN, Ireland withdrew from the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest held in Vienna, Austria, and did not broadcast the organization.

Ireland, which has been involved in the organization since 1965 and performed 58 times, is one of the two countries with the most first place wins in Eurovision history, along with Sweden. The country, which has managed to advance to the finals in 9 of the 21 competitions it has participated in since the semi-final system was introduced in 2004, has suspended its historic place in the organization for the second time due to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

On the other hand, the Netherlands announced its withdrawal from the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest last August in order to protest Israel's participation and state that the contest had lost its neutrality.