The upcoming Eurovision Song Contest in Basel takes place in a politically charged environment heightened by the Israel-Gaza conflict. The European Broadcasting Union (EBU), the organization responsible for Eurovision, insists that the event is apolitical, focusing solely on musical competition. However, the persistent call for countries to reassess Israel's participation has brought political discussions to the forefront, undermining EBU's claims of neutrality.

Broadcasters from Spain, Ireland, and Slovenia have expressed dissent regarding Israel’s involvement based on the country’s actions in Gaza, echoing tensions from the previous year’s contest in Malmö, Sweden. Performers previously signed petitions to exclude Israel from the competition, emphasizing the deep-rooted political sentiments surrounding this year's event.

Officials from Eurovision maintain that the competition is between broadcasters, not nations, and that a government’s conduct should remain irrelevant to the contest. Nonetheless, many are questioning the practicality and sincerity of this stance as political expressions inevitably seep into the fabric of the event. As the final approaches, the relationship between culture and politics remains a focal point of discourse amongst participants and audiences alike.