Overview

• Eurovision 2025 officially opened in Basel with a 1.3-kilometer turquoise carpet parade, the longest in the contest's history.
• Pro-Palestinian demonstrators disrupted the event, waving flags and banners, with one protester tackled by police after entering the parade route.
• Israel’s broadcaster Kan filed a formal complaint after a protester made a throat-slitting gesture and spat at its delegation during the parade.
• Over 1,300 police officers and video surveillance cameras have been deployed in Basel to address safety concerns during the contest week.
• Israel’s entrant, Yuval Raphael, a survivor of the October 2023 Hamas attack, aims to use her performance of 'New Day Will Rise' to promote healing and solidarity.