Israel's Eurovision Entry 'Hurricane' Approved After Lyric Change Amid Controversy
The song's approval follows international calls for Israel's ban from the contest due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza and alleged violations of international law.
- Israel's Eurovision 2024 entry, 'Hurricane,' has been approved after the lyrics were changed from the original song 'October Rain,' which was thought to reference the Hamas attacks of October 7.
- The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) confirmed that 'Hurricane' meets the necessary criteria for participation, following scrutiny of the lyrics.
- Several countries and artists had called for Israel to be banned from Eurovision, citing violations of international law and the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
- Belgium's culture minister and other politicians have compared Israel's situation to Russia's exclusion from competitions following its invasion of Ukraine, advocating for a similar ban until Israel ends its 'flagrant violations of international law.'
- Israel insists its actions in Gaza are in line with international law, amid international criticism and calls for accountability over potential war crimes.
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