BY JEROME HUGHES
PRO-PALESTINIAN activists in Donegal are urging Ireland to boycott the Eurovision Song Contest due to Israel’s participation in the competition.
Fadl Mustapha, from Letterkenny and a member of the Ireland Palestinian Solidarity Campaign in Donegal, believes RTÉ should withdraw Bambie Thug’s song, ‘Doomsday Blue’, from the event.
“The countries taking part are allowing Israel to art-wash their genocidal intentions, their slaughter, their masacres, their murder of innocent Palestinians in Gaza.
“They’re all part of the washing process,” he said.
“Israel is under investigation by the International Court of Justice for ‘plausible genocide’ and yet no action is taken by the European
Broadcasting Union or RTÉ, which organises Ireland’s selection for the competition,” added Mr Mustapha.
The Eurovision Song Contest will take place in Malmö, Sweden on May 7 (First Semi-Final), May 9 (Second Semi-Final) and May 11 (Grand Final).
Bambie Thug will perform in the first semi-final.
Activists insist it’s not too late for Ireland to find itself on “the right side of history” by pulling out of the competition in solidarity with the people of Gaza and the occupied territories.
“The Zionist lobby is very strong in Europe and America so Israel is always treated with silk gloves compared to other countries. There’s an unwillingness to isolate Israel in any way regardless of the atrocities Tel Aviv commits.
“Our TDs and councillors need a little push from the people of Donegal to guide them in the right way. People should attend the politicians’ clinics to remind them of the catastrophic situation facing Palestinians in Gaza,” suggests Mr Mustapha.
Tensions continue to rise in the Middle East following strikes on Israel by Iran, in retaliation for a deadly attack by Tel Aviv on Tehran’s consulate in Syria. However, campaigners say the focus must remain on the plight of Palestinians.
“I continue to be shocked, horrified and disgusted by the genocide. Since the UN agreed on an immediate ceasefire to allow aid to arrive into Gaza, the situation has only become more serious by the day. People are starving and dying of disease.
“Children, women and innocent civilians are going through hell, if they’re not already dead. Doctors from around the world have delivered testimonies to this effect but the atrocities continue with impunity. They are describing horrific scenes,” concluded Mr Mustapha.
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