Eurovision Used to Be a Campy Joy – Yet It Has Evolved Into a Calculated Tool to Sanitize Conflict.

An new acronym came to light a couple of months following the onset of the intensive bombing of Gaza by Israel. Referred to as WCNSF, it means “Wounded child, no surviving family”. This designation is found only in Gaza, per insights from doctors including child health specialists. Normally, it is unusual for doctors to care for a child who has been bereaved of their complete family. However, there has been no semblance of normality about the widespread destruction in Gaza, where complete genealogies have been wiped out and the number of young amputees is greater than that of any other place in the world. No sense of normalcy about scores of doctors coming back from a sea of ruins with accounts of children being deliberately targeted.

A Living Nightmare Regardless of a Reported Truce

Conditions in Gaza persist as an utter catastrophe. Essential medical supplies are not getting in those in need, and groups like Amnesty International assert that atrocities are still being committed. Authorities disputes these allegations, just as it denies each claim it is implicated in. But while grieving children who lost parents are now suffering from the cold in temporary shelters, there is some ostensibly positive news: apparently nothing is going to stop the Eurovision from pursuing its declared purpose of “unity and cultural exchange.” Organizers will continue to offer a welcoming platform for Israel, although several European countries have now pulled out in protest. Since this, we are told, is what international harmony manifests as.

Eurovision, of course prohibited Russia from participating in 2022 due to the “unprecedented crisis in Ukraine”. Yet the conflict in Gaza appears to be entirely distinct.

Contradictory Principles

Overlook the circumstance that Israel was criticized for unfair vote practices last year in what could be seen as an effort to politicise Eurovision. Forget the fact that a three-year-old girl was allegedly fatally struck in Gaza just days ago. Forget the fact that settler violence and forced displacement in the West Bank have increased dramatically. Overlook the situation that international journalists are still prevented from unfettered access in Gaza. None of this, apparently, should be permitted to obstruct of Eurovision’s much-touted ethos of unity.

The Show Goes On Amidst Staggering Tragedy

The contest turns 70 next year – roughly two times the average life expectancy of someone in Gaza today. The broadcast will air, but it will never be able to restore the camp joy it was formerly known for. An institution that once promoted togetherness has now become a cynical way to whitewash war.