Belgium's VRT television protests against Israel during Eurovision broadcast

By Selen Valente Rasquinho

BRUSSELS (AA) - Belgium's VRT television interrupted its broadcast of the Eurovision Song Contest late Thursday to condemn Israel's violations of human rights and press freedom and called for a cease-fire in Gaza.

VRT, broadcasting in Flemish, interrupted the second semi-final of Eurovision held in Malmo, Sweden to protest against Israel's attacks in Gaza.

"This is a trade union action. We condemn the human rights violations of the Israeli state. Additionally, Israel is destroying press freedom. Therefore, we are taking a temporary break from our broadcast. Now, ceasefire," it said.

Two Belgian ministers had previously expressed their belief that Israel should not participate in the Eurovision Song Contest as long as its attacks on civilians in Gaza continued.

Artists representing Belgium, Portugal, the UK, Ireland, Switzerland, Norway, Denmark, Lithuania, Finland and San Marino in the Eurovision Song Contest had called for an urgent and sustainable cease-fire in Gaza.

Various sectors from many European countries had called for Israel to be banned from participating in the Eurovision Song Contest final, which will take place in Malmo on May 11.