Organizers of the Eurovision Song Contest said Thursday they reserve the right to remove any Palestinian flags and pro-Palestinian symbols at the show next week in Sweden.

The announcement came amid heightened tensions surrounding Israel’s participation in the annual music competition over its military campaign against Hamas in Gaza, now in its seventh month. Pro-Palestinian groups are expected to stage large protests in Malmo to raise awareness of their cause.

Michelle Roverelli, the head of communications for the European Broadcasting Union that runs the show each year, said ticket holders are only allowed to bring and display flags representing countries that take part in the event, as well as the rainbow-colored flag.

  • Flying SquidM
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    497 months ago

    Israel is a competitor, so there’s no question the Israeli flag will be shown at least as a logo on television.

    • @LordOfLocksley
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      37 months ago

      Shame they won’t be making it to the final though

      • Flying SquidM
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        27 months ago

        I’d sure as hell be surprised if they did. They’d have to be on the Abba level.