Eurovision 2025 overshadowed by Pro-Palestinian Protest in Basel

Pro-Palestinian protests erupted in Basel, Switzerland, on May 17, 2025, just ahead of the Eurovision Song Contest final. Demonstrators, many carrying Palestinian flags, marched through the city center, expressing their outrage over Israel's participation in the event and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. "We cannot stand by while innocent people suffer," shouted one protestor, their voice barely audible over the chants and the crackling of flares. The protest underscored the deep divisions surrounding the Eurovision contest, turning it into a stage for political activism. Police were present to monitor the situation, ensuring the demonstration remained peaceful. The event highlighted the complex intersection of international entertainment and geopolitical conflict, serving as a stark reminder of the ongoing suffering in Gaza.