Eurovision Used to Be a Whimsical Delight – But It Has Become a Cynical Way to Sanitize Conflict.

An recent initialism surfaced several months following the onset of the military campaign against Gaza. Referred to as WCNSF, it stands for “Wounded child, no surviving family”. This designation is specific to Gaza, according to medical experts such as child health specialists. Ordinarily, it is uncommon for doctors to treat a child who has been bereaved of their entire family. However, there has been absolutely nothing ordinary about the devastating conflict in Gaza, where whole bloodlines have been wiped out and the number of children who have lost limbs exceeds that of any other region in the world. Nothing normal about numerous doctors coming back from a sea of ruins with testimonies of children being intentionally shot at.

A Hell on Earth Despite a Reported Truce

Conditions in Gaza persist as an utter catastrophe. Vital medicines and equipment are failing to reach those in need, and international watchdogs contend that genocidal acts are still being committed. Officials rejects these claims, consistent with how it disavows each claim it is accused of. Yet as grieving children who lost parents are now freezing in temporary shelters, there is some ostensibly positive news: apparently nothing is going to stop the international singing competition from advancing its stated mission of “unity and artistic sharing.” Organizers will continue to extend a welcoming platform for Israel, even though at least four European countries have now pulled out in protest. And this, it seems, is what global togetherness looks like.

The contest, notably excluded Russia from competing in 2022 due to the “grave situation in Ukraine”. But the crisis in Gaza is treated differently.

A Selective Vision

Disregard the reality that Israel was alleged to have used questionable voting tactics last year in what appears to have been an effort to politicise Eurovision. Set aside the news that a toddler was reportedly killed in Gaza on a recent Sunday. Neglect the data that attacks by settlers and forced displacement in the West Bank have escalated. Overlook the situation that international journalists are still blocked from unfettered access in Gaza. This entire context, apparently, should be seen as a barrier of Eurovision’s much-touted ethos of unity.

The Pageant Proceeds Amidst Unimaginable Suffering

The contest marks seven decades next year – roughly two times the current lifespan of a person in Gaza today. The event will proceed, but it will likely never recapture the whimsical pleasure it was formerly known for. A contest that was originally built on peace has devolved into a cynical way to whitewash war.