DUBLIN, September 17, 2026 (WAFA) — Ireland will not participate in the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest and will not broadcast the competition for the second consecutive year, Ireland'd public broadcaster RTÉ announced today, citing Israel's participation and the ongoing situation in Gaza.

In a statement, RTÉ said Ireland’s participation could not be justified given the “appalling and ongoing loss of lives in Gaza” and the humanitarian crisis there, which continues to put the lives of large numbers of civilians at risk. The broadcaster also expressed deep concern over the continued denial of independent access to international journalists to the Gaza Strip.

Ireland, which has won the Eurovision Song Contest seven times, had already withdrawn from the 2026 edition and declined to broadcast it in protest against Israel’s participation.

The Netherlands has also announced that it will not participate in the 2027 contest, with Dutch public broadcaster AVROTROS saying the event can no longer be considered neutral amid divisions surrounding the war.

Ireland, the Netherlands, Iceland, Spain and Slovenia did not participate in the 2026 contest over Israel’s inclusion, according to Reuters.

The 2027 Eurovision Song Contest is scheduled to take place in Burgas, Bulgaria, in May 2027.

M.N