Johannes Pietsch also expressed regret over Israel’s participation in 2025 contest despite the war in Gaza

This year’s Eurovision song contest winner, Austrian singer JJ, has called for Israel to be excluded from next year’s competition. He also expressed regret over Israel’s participation in this year’s competition despite the war in Gaza.

Eurovision has faced criticism for allowing Israel to participate in the contest despite the devastating Gaza war. This year, pro-Palestinian activists staged protests during the extravaganza in Switzerland over the weekend. Russia has not been allowed to participate in Eurovision since its 2022 invasion of Ukraine.