Spain’s national broadcaster openly defied directives from the organisers of the Eurovision Song Contest on Saturday evening by broadcasting a message in solidarity with Palestinians, despite prior warnings to steer clear of references to the on-going conflict in Gaza.
Just before the final began at around 9pm, RTVE aired a black screen, broadcast online (main image) and on TV, with a stark white message, in both Spanish and English: ‘When it comes to human rights, silence is not an option. Peace and justice for Palestine.’
This came after the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) had instructed RTVE not to mention the Gaza conflict, citing the competition’s strict stance on political neutrality. The EBU stated in a letter, which RTVE made public, that non-compliance could lead to ‘penalties’. ALSO READ: Spain’s public broadcaster RTVE calls for ‘debate’ over Israel’s participation in Eurovision.
‘Political statements that could jeopardise the neutrality of the competition are prohibited,’ the letter read.
Spanish media suggested the warning was prompted by a complaint from Israel’s public broadcaster, KAN. The complaint alleged that during the second semi-final on Thursday, Spanish commentators had mentioned casualties in Gaza attributed to Israeli military actions, while Israeli contestant Yuval Raphael was performing (also see below – Israel at Eurovision Song Contest).
The EBU confirmed that RTVE had been explicitly reminded of the requirement for commentators to remain impartial during the contest.
Meanwhile, in Basel, Switzerland, where the Eurovision final took place, pro-Palestinian protesters clashed briefly with riot police. Physical confrontations occurred, and authorities responded with tear gas.
Spain, alongside Ireland and Norway, officially recognised the State of Palestine in May 2024. Slovenia followed suit in June.
The Spanish government has been among the most vocal critics within the European Union of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s administration. ALSO READ: Spain to present resolution at UN General Assembly to ‘stop killing’ in Gaza.
On Saturday, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez posted the following message on X (formerly Twitter): ‘The spiral of violence and suffering in Gaza must end. I have conveyed to the President of the Palestinian Authority, Mahmoud Abbas, Spain’s full solidarity with the Palestinian people. Spain will do everything in its power to put an end to this barbarity.’
Conflict in Gaza
The conflict in the Gaza Strip escalated after Hamas carried out an unprecedented assault on Israel from Gaza on 7 October 2023. That attack resulted in the deaths of 1,218 people, most of them civilians, based on official Israeli figures.
On the same day, 251 individuals were taken hostage by Palestinian militants. Of those, 58 remain in Gaza, with the Israeli military reporting that 34 are believed to be dead.
Israel’s subsequent military response has claimed the lives of at least 52,653 people, primarily civilians, according to the health ministry in Hamas-controlled Gaza.
Israel comes second at Eurovision Song Contest
As the televotes came in during the Eurovision late on Saturday night, Israel held the top spot until, right at the very end, the public votes for Austria gave the Alpine nation the right to host Eurovision next year. Austria finished with 436 points, ahead of Israel on 357 and Estonia on 356.
Austria’s JJ won the world’s biggest live music television event with his operatic song ‘Wasted Love’.
‘Thank you to you, Europe, for making my dreams come true,’ the 24-year-old countertenor JJ, whose real name is Johannes Pietsch, said after his triumph.
Spain – with Esa diva sung by Melody – finished 24th at the Eurovision with just 37 points.
Israel’s entrant Yuval Raphael had survived the October 2023 attack on Israel by hiding beneath bodies as Hamas gunmen attacked a music festival, killing hundreds.
During the performance of her song New Day Will Rise, loud whistles could be heard and two people tried to get on stage.
‘At the end of the Israeli performance, a man and a woman tried to get over a barrier onto the stage. They were stopped. One of the two agitators threw paint,’ a Eurovision spokesman said. They were taken outside and handed over to police, he added.
Subscribe to the Weekly Newsletter from Spain in English.
ALSO READ: Spain hosts meeting to discuss Israel-Palestinian two-state solution.
ALSO READ: Pedro Sánchez: ‘I have serious doubts Israel is complying with international law’.
Frente a los derechos humanos, el silencio no es una opción. Paz y justicia para Palestina.https://t.co/puZwqrZD76 pic.twitter.com/NnqISBQl6c
— RTVE (@rtve) May 17, 2025
RTVE pide «paz para Palestina» y denuncia las amenazas de multa de Eurovisión por Israel.#Eurovision2025https://t.co/YVuxkSU5Jv pic.twitter.com/xiddHu7zxq
— EFE Noticias (@EFEnoticias) May 17, 2025
La espiral de violencia y sufrimiento en Gaza debe terminar.
Le he trasladado al presidente de la Autoridad Palestina, Mahmoud Abbas, toda la solidaridad de España con el pueblo palestino.
España hará lo que esté en su mano para poner fin a esta barbarie. pic.twitter.com/WaUbDHmsJK
— Pedro Sánchez (@sanchezcastejon) May 17, 2025
Click here to get your business activity or services listed on our DIRECTORY.
