Eurovision's Israeli entry Eden Golan ordered to 'stay in hotel' as pro-Palestine protesters flood Malmo

Eurovision's Israeli entry Eden Golan ordered to 'stay in hotel' as pro-Palestine protesters flood Malmo

WATCH HERE: Greta Thunberg at pro-Palestinian protest in Eurovision city

Olivia Gantzer

By Olivia Gantzer


Published: 09/05/2024

- 18:39

Updated: 09/05/2024

- 21:32

Thousands of protesters have flooded Malmo ahead of tonight's semi-final show

Israel's Eurovision entrant Eden Golan has been advised to stay in her hotel room as thousands of pro-Palestine protesters descend on Malmo.

Many have called for the nation to be excluded from this year's competition as Israel's military campaign in Gaza continues.


It's thought that Israel's national security agency Shin Bet have warned Golan not to leave her hotel room except for performances because of the demonstrations.

Among those protesting on the streets of Malmo was climate activist Greta Thunberg, who issued a passionate quote to reporters.

She remarked: "These protests should be everywhere...once again young people are showing the world how to react."

Swedish authorities had heightened security and were prepared for possible unrest during Eurovision week.

Golan has been warned to 'stay in her hotel'

EUROVISION SONG CONTEST/GETTY

The protests come after Golan was drowned out by boos and chants of "Free Palestine" from the audience during rehearsals.

Golan is set to perform again in tonight's live show ahead of the weekend's final.

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 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.

Malmo

Pro-Palestine protests have been taking place in Malmo

Getty

Eurovision fans have argued Russia hasn't been involved in the competition since the country's invasion on Ukraine in 2022.

Some have used this fact as further evidence Israel shouldn't be allowed to compete as the conflict continues.

The UK's entry Olly Alexander has also addressed the tensions and calls for Israel's disqualification from the event.

When concerned fans pointed out Alexander seemed unhappy during the Eurovision pre-party in London, he told The Times: "Yes, I struggled that day. I was holed up in a room trying not to have a breakdown."


Malmo

Thousands took part in the protests on May 9

Getty

"Normally, you get on stage and turn it on, but I felt really unable to do that. It was tough... I just could not get it together and then I felt ashamed of myself and embarrassed.”

According to the publication [via the Mirror], Alexander began to cry as he emotionally added: "Obviously there are a lot of things I wish were different.

"And this is so much bigger than me and Eurovision, it really is."

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