The Dutch joined a growing list of European countries threatening to pull out of the contest, to be held in Vienna, including Ireland and Spain.

“AVROTROS’s participation in the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 will not be possible as long as Israel remains admitted by the EBU,” it said in a statement, referring to event organiser the European Broadcasting Union.

“If the EBU decides not to admit Israel, AVROTROS will be happy to participate next year.”

On Thursday, seven-time champions Ireland also said they would not take part alongside Israel.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said in May that Israel should be excluded in future.

AVROTROS linked its decision to Israel’s campaign in Gaza, as well as what it described as “serious violation of press freedom” by the Israelis.

The broadcaster also accused Israel of “proven interference… during the last edition of the Song Contest, with the event being used as a political instrument”.

The October 2023 attack by Hamas resulted in the deaths of 1,219 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli figures.

Of the 251 hostages seized during the assault, 47 remain in Gaza, including 25 the Israeli military says are dead.

Israel’s retaliatory offensive has killed at least 64,656 Palestinians, most of them civilians, according to figures from the health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza that the UN considers reliable.

Eurovision is organised by the EBU in cooperation with its members, national public service broadcasters such as AVROTROS, in over 35 countries.

Austrian singer JJ won this year’s competition, held in Basel in Switzerland, with his hit “Wasted Love”, which blended techno beats with operatic vocals.