The second round of Eurovision Song Contest semi-finals kicks off tonight but a video posted to social media shows Israel's performance being booed.
During the first round of semi-finals, UK's act Olly Alexander suffered a wardrobe malfunction alongside shaky vocals and Ireland made history after singer Bambie Thug mad it through for the first time since 2018.
Tonight, 16 more countries will take to the stage to give their best performance for a chance to make it through to the final, but it seems chaos ensued when Israel hit the stage.
In footage posted on social media, attendees of the contest in Sweden can be heard booing and chanting "Free Palestine" throughout Eden Golan's performance - almost drowning her out completely.
The development comes after the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) allowed Israel to enter, despite the country’s ongoing attacks on Palestinians in Gaza.
The war against Hamas has killed more than 35,000 people in Palestine, and injured a further 77,000 in Gaza, according to figures obtained by Al Jazeera.
Eden Golan was drowned out by boos and chants from the audience
REUTERS
Many disagreed with the EBU's decision, with angry voices in the background of Israel's entry overpowering the song and leaving many divided on their social media.
One X user penned: "The atmosphere inside the arena was horrible. You could feel the tension. Shouts of 'free Palestine' in the quiet parts. Booing inaudible places. People arguing in the standing section."
Another added: "Israel just performed at the preview show and as I was booing and screaming Free Palestine, security was telling me to shush and implying I'll be kicked out. Sorry EBU, you might endorse genocide, but you can't censor people's voices for peace!"
"Good. I don't see why Russia wasn't allowed since Israel is allowed," a third said before a fourth contested: "Eurovision is NOT the place for statements like this. Eurovision should be a part for everyone."
Many criticised the EBU for allowing Israel to perform
REUTERS
Eurovision's website states that peaceful protest is allowed: "The EBU is a firm advocate for freedom of speech and the right for people to express their deeply held views and opinions. We understand that people may wish to make their voices heard and support the right of those who wish to demonstrate peacefully."
Many fans initially called for a boycott of the competition after Israel's original entry song included what some perceived to be anti-Palestine lyrics.
The song, October Rain, prompted accusations that the country was "spreading propaganda" and that the song contained a political message, leaving Israel to change the lyrics after backlash.
The booing of Israel comes after the EBU revealed its "regret" of letting Eric Saade sing during the opening of the contest after he wore a pro-Palestine scarf around his wrist.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
Eden Golan performed for Israel in the Eurovision Song Contest
REUTERS
Performing with the keffiyeh symbol - commonly used by people who want to show they are pro-Palestinian - the singer was seen to be making a political statement over the Israel-Hamas war.
Discussing his actions, a spokeswoman for the EBU said: “The Eurovision Song Contest is a live TV show. All performers are made aware of the rules of the contest, and we regret that Eric Saade chose to compromise the non-political nature of the event.”
Ireland's Bambi Thug - who caused controversy for her "demonic" performance - was also forced to make changes to their set after they were told to change the ogham writing on their face.
The non-binary singer initially had "ceasefire" and "free Palestine" on their body, but later revealed: "I am pro-justice and pro-peace... Unfortunately, I had to change those messages today to ‘Crown The Witch’ only, in order from the EBU.”
