Israel’s ground invasion of Rafah: Live updates

Belgium’s VRT channel interrupted its broadcast of the Eurovision semi-finals contest on Thursday night to deliver a protest message condemning Israel’s actions in Gaza. The act was organized by the trade union.

“We condemn the human rights violations of the Israeli state. Additionally, Israel is destroying press freedom…we are taking a temporary break from our broadcast. Now, ceasefire,” said the message in Flemish. 

A spokesperson for the broadcaster told Belgian media that they were aware that the action would take place. 

Israeli representative Eden Golan participated in the semi-finals and got qualified for the final of the song contest that is being hosted in Swedish city of Malmo.

Eurovision resisted calls to eject Israel, as was done with Russia amid the Ukraine conflict. Though Israel was asked to modify the lyrics of the song October Rain, with the original containing apparent references to the Hamas attack on October 7.