Eurovision Used to Be a Whimsical Delight – But It Has Transformed Into a Cynical Way to Sanitize Conflict.

A freshly coined acronym surfaced a few months into the military campaign against Gaza. Labeled WCNSF, it signifies “Wounded child, no surviving family”. This designation is found only in Gaza, as stated by doctors such as child health specialists. Normally, it is unusual for physicians to treat a young patient who has seen the death of their complete family. But, there has been nothing “normal” concerning the genocide in Gaza, where complete genealogies have been wiped out and the number of child amputees surpasses that of any other place in the world. Nothing normal in scores of doctors coming back from a sea of ruins with reports of children being deliberately targeted.

A Living Nightmare In Spite Of a Supposed Ceasefire

The Gaza Strip continues to be hell on earth. Critical healthcare resources are failing to reach those in need, and international watchdogs contend that atrocities are continuing. Authorities rejects these claims, just as it disavows everything it is charged with. Meanwhile, while traumatised orphans are now suffering from the cold in improvised encampments, there is a little heartwarming news: nothing is going to stop the Eurovision from advancing its stated mission of “togetherness and artistic sharing.” The contest will continue to roll out a blood-red carpet for Israel, although at least four European countries have now withdrawn in objection. And this, we are told, is what unity resembles.

Historically, Eurovision excluded Russia from competing in 2022 because of the “serious conflict in Ukraine”. However, the situation in Gaza is entirely distinct.

A Selective Vision

Disregard the reality that Israel was alleged to have used unfair vote practices last year in what appears to have been an attempt to manipulate Eurovision. Set aside the news that a young child was reportedly killed in Gaza recently. Neglect the data that attacks by settlers and systematic expulsions in the West Bank have increased dramatically. Disregard the condition that global media are still denied freely reporting in Gaza. All of this, it would seem, should be allowed to get in the way of Eurovision’s much-touted ethos of unity.

The Pageant Proceeds Amidst Staggering Tragedy

Eurovision turns 70 next year – nearly twice the average life expectancy of someone in Gaza now. The broadcast will air, but it will likely never recapture the whimsical pleasure it historically embodied. A competition that was originally built on peace has now become a cynical way to sanitize military aggression.