The 16 competitors in the Eurovision Song Contest’s second semi-final went through a last dress rehearsal marked by protests on Thursday ahead of a show when six of them will crash out.
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Israel’s participation in the competition has drawn protests over the Gaza war, but its competitor, Yuval Raphael is tipped to qualify for Saturday’s final in Basel, Switzerland.
Raphael survived the October 7, 2023 attack on Israel that sparked the Gaza war, hiding beneath bodies as Hamas gunmen attacked a music festival, killing hundreds.
The 24-year-old, with her song New Day Will Rise, is bidding for one of 10 remaining spots in the final, when 160 million to 200 million people are expected to watch the world’s biggest live television music event.
At the dress rehearsal, held in front of 6,500 Eurovision fans at the St Jakobshalle arena, demonstrators made a disturbance during Raphael’s performance and were ejected.
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“Six people, including a family, disrupted the rehearsal with oversized flags and whistles. Security personnel were able to quickly identify those involved and escort them out of the hall,” Swiss Broadcasting Corporation, the Eurovision 2025 host broadcaster, said in a statement.
“The organisers are committed to a neutral, safe, inclusive and respectful environment at the ESC,” they added.