Police in Sweden are bracing for more protests after Israel progressed to Saturday's Eurovision Grand Final.
Thousands of pro-Palestinian protesters marched outside the venue in Malmö on Thursday angry that Israel is allowed to compete because of the war in Gaza.
Boos and heckling could be heard during the performance of Eden Golan in the second semi-final.
She told reporters afterwards she believes the contest is 'safe for everyone'.
Tensions between the Netherlands and Israel become exposed at Eurovision over safety of contestants. @NewstalkFM #Eurovision2024 pic.twitter.com/ZgvA3n7FXG
— Henry McKean (@HenryMcKean) May 9, 2024
Newstalk's Henry McKean is there and told The Pat Kenny Show authorities are being aggressive with protestors.
"I happened to be seated very near Israeli fans so you could heard more cheering than booing," he said.
"Others in other parts of the stadium heard booing and obviously outside there were half-naked men being dragged into vans who were protesting.
"It was quite aggressive".
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Henry said there was a "massive celebration" in the arena "until Israel came on".
He spoke to a number of Irish people who left the arena when Israel stepped on stage, including former Eurovision performers Jedward.
"We weren't going to be there seeing Israel on the Eurovision stage because they're taking away the vibes this year," they said.
"We're all about peace, the world needs peace.
"They didn't deserve to be on that stage this year; I just feel like Eurovision's a happy place - music brings the world together.
"They should know themselves it wasn't appropriate to participate in Eurovision this year," they added.
Jedward with Newstalk's Henry McKean at the Eurovision Second Semi-Final in Malmo, Sweden10-5-24, Image: NewstalkThe Dublin brothers said they have "nothing personal" against singer Eden Golan.
"I think there should be equal playing fields - Russia's not able to participate so I don't think Israel should be either," they added.
An Irish woman said she couldn't stay and watch Israel.
"I left the arena - I didn't want to be a party to it at all," she said.
"I didn't want to be in the arena; I didn't want to do anything nasty, I didn't want to boo anybody.
"So I removed myself form the arena... I think it's the right thing to do.
"I love Eurovision, I love music but I didn't want to be a party to that".
'Genocide in Gaza'
One protestor outside the arena told Henry they wanted to show solidarity with Palestine.
"We are here because there's a genocide going on in Gaza," she said.
"The perpetrator Israel should be banned from the competition.
"For us it's clear that our city don't want Israel to be here - we want to show solidarity with Palestine.
"I usually [watch], I have done since I was a kid, but today I think the only decent thing is to boycott the Eurovision Song Contest.
"There's a genocide state that is allowed to compete," she added.
Ireland's Bambie Thug during a post-show press conference after they qualified for the Eurovision Song Contest Grand Final, 8-5-24. Image: Andres PovedaIreland's Bambie Thug made it through to the Grand Final for Ireland for the first time since 2018.
This year's competition has been marred in calls for Israel to be withdrawn due to its ongoing war in Gaza against Palestinians.
Irish artists had also called directly on Bambie Thug to pull out of the contest.
Singer Mary Coughlan previously told Newstalk she didn't think "anybody with a conscience" could perform at this year's event.
"I would myself have the respect of my peers and other artists rather than to go on some television programme that is largely viewed as entertainment," she said.
"It is political now; it was made political when they removed Russia in 2022 [for its invasion of Ukraine]."
Ms Coughlan said Ireland has always done the right thing.
"We have always in this country stood with the oppressed," she said.
"We've always done concerts, we've always raised awareness, we've always raised consciousness, we've always done the right thing.
"We're watching it every single day and I don't think anybody with a conscience could get up in front of a broader European stage.
"I don't think it's a good thing, it's not a good look," she added.
Israel has been accused of genocide against the Palestinian people with at least 34,488 Palestinians killed in Gaza; 14,500 have been children and 9,500 women, according to the United Nations.
Another 77,643 have reportedly been injured, of which 75% are estimated to be female.
