Eurovision audience members spotted with Palestine flags during Israel's performance amid ongoing protests

According to Getty Images, at least one audience member displayed a Palestinian flag whilst whistling during the 25-year-old Israeli contestant's performance.

The protest comes amid ongoing controversy surrounding Israel's participation in this year's competition.

The protest was not broadcast on television, with Raphael's performance passing without incident for viewers at home.

Despite the demonstration captured by Getty Images, the Israeli singer continued her performance uninterrupted.

Earlier in the day, some fans had also displayed Palestinian flags during the dress rehearsal, indicating growing tensions around Israel's participation.

The audience reaction to Raphael's performance has been described as muted compared to other contestants.

Israel's involvement in Eurovision has faced intense scrutiny following the ongoing military action in Gaza.

According to the Hamas-run health ministry, more than 52,000 people have been killed in the campaign, which began in response to Hamas' attack on Israel in October 2023 that killed approximately 1,200 people and saw more than 250 taken hostage.

Organisations including Amnesty International have accused Israel of committing genocide, allegations which Israel strongly rejects.

Yuval Raphael, who is representing Israel, is herself a survivor of the October 7 Hamas attack.

She narrowly escaped death when gunmen attacked the Nova music festival, taking shelter in a concrete bomb shelter alongside around 50 others as shots were fired into their refuge.

She emerged as one of only 11 survivors from that harrowing ordeal. Speaking to the BBC earlier this week, Raphael said she was prepared for criticism at Eurovision. "I think I'm expecting it, but we are here to sing and I'm going to sing my heart out for everyone."

In Basel, posters for the Eurovision Song Contest have been defaced with anti-Israel slogans. The Israeli delegation also complained to police after a pro-Palestinian demonstrator allegedly made a throat-slitting gesture towards Raphael.

Further pro-Palestinian protests are planned in the Swiss city ahead of the competition final.

Meanwhile, Ireland's broadcaster has called for wider discussion on Israel's continued participation in the contest.

Despite these tensions, Eurovision rules prohibit political statements, meaning Raphael cannot discuss her experiences during the October 7 attack while promoting her entry.

Despite the controversy, Raphael has maintained a positive outlook on her Eurovision journey.

"Everybody has opinions. I'm really putting everything aside and just concentrating on the most important thing. The slogan this year is 'united by music' and that's what we are here for," she told the BBC.

Her song New Day Will Rise remains among the favourites to win the competition, despite the muted audience reactions during rehearsals.

Raphael has described her participation as "a personal win, just to be having this experience and representing my country and doing it with such pride."