LONDON, Sept 17 (Reuters) - Ireland will not participate in the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest for the second year in a row, broadcaster RTE said on Thursday, citing the ongoing loss of life in Gaza.
Ireland was one of five countries to not take part in the 2026 edition in protest at Israel's participation, with Iceland, Netherlands, Slovenia and Spain. Dutch public broadcaster AvroTros last month said it would boycott again in 2027.
"RTE feels that Ireland's participation cannot be justified given the appalling and ongoing loss of lives in Gaza and the humanitarian crisis there which continues to put the lives of so many civilians at risk," the broadcaster said in a statement.
RTE said it would not take part in 2027 or broadcast the competition, which will be held in Bulgaria's Black Sea city of Burgas after they won for the first time in May.
RTE quoted Eurovision Song Contest director Martin Green as saying that the European Broadcasting Union, which organises the event, regretted but respected RTE's decision.
"They remain a valued part of our family and will be missed," RTE reported Green as saying.
Israel's foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
(Reporting by Sam Tabahriti, additional reporting by Pesha Magid in Jerusalem, writing by Sam Tobin, editing by William James and Paul Sandle)
