LONDON: The UK’s Eurovision contestant has called for a ceasefire in Gaza alongside a host of other acts from around the continent, Sky News reported.
Singer Olly Alexander, of Years and Years, will perform solo at the contest in May.
His statement, posted to X, called for an “immediate and lasting ceasefire” in Gaza.
The statement was co-signed by Ireland’s Bambie Thug, Finland’s Windows95Man, Norway’s Gate, Portugal’s Iolanda, San Marino’s Megara, Switzerland’s Nemo, Denmark’s SABA and Lithuania’s Silvester Belt.
It read: “We want to begin by acknowledging the privilege of taking part in Eurovision.
“It is important to us to stand in solidarity with the oppressed and communicate our heartfelt wish for peace, an immediate and lasting ceasefire, and the safe return of all hostages.”
The signatories “do not feel comfortable being silent” amid the suffering in Gaza, it added.
“We stand united against all forms of hate, including antisemitism and Islamophobia.”
European broadcasters have faced pressure to boycott Israel’s participation in Eurovision this year, which is being hosted in Sweden.
More than 1,000 musicians from the Nordic country in February accused the European Broadcasting Union, which organizes the contest, of “double standards.”
Israel’s contestant this year is singer Eden Golan, who was earlier forced to change the lyrics to her country’s entry due to perceived references to the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks.