A coalition of Palestinian solidarity organisations, artists and academics has released a promotional video calling on Malta to withdraw from Eurovision 2026, ahead of a national protest scheduled for Saturday 21 February in the capital, Valletta.
The Malta: No Music for Genocide campaign unveiled its video on Wednesday, directed by Maxime Durand and featuring local actors Thomas Camilleri and Kaylie Magri.
The film challenges the Eurovision Song Contest’s mission statement of being “United by Music”, arguing that unity cannot extend to a state accused of committing genocide.
“When music covers up bodies and rubble, either we become complicit, or we take a stand for what is right,” the video states unequivocally, urging the Maltese government and national broadcaster PBS to follow five European nations in boycotting the event.
The campaign comes as Israel continues its genocide in Gaza, which has seen the occupying forces and their western allies kill more than 71,000 Palestinians, including 21,000 children. Israel also maintains illegal occupation of Palestinian territories and parts of Lebanon and Syria.
The European Broadcasting Union’s decision to permit Israel’s participation stands in stark contrast to its immediate exclusion of Russia following its 2022 invasion of Ukraine, activists argue. Spain, Ireland, Iceland, Slovenia and the Netherlands have already withdrawn from this year’s contest in protest.
At a demonstration outside PBS studios in Pietà last Saturday, Amy Marie Abela of Moviment Graffitti rejected arguments that culture and politics should remain separate. “Eurovision itself was started as a direct response to World War II, with the aim of uniting European countries,” she said, questioning why Israel receives “exceptional status” despite ongoing International Court of Justice proceedings.
Culture minister Owen Bonnici has repeatedly refused withdrawal calls, insisting Malta will participate regardless and promoting what he terms a “culture of dialogue”.
Critics, however, accuse the government of hypocrisy, pointing to the contrast between Malta’s formal recognition of Palestinian statehood in September 2025 and its continued Eurovision participation.
The campaign has secured endorsements from former president Marie Louise Coleiro Preca, the Malta LGBTIQ Rights Movement, and numerous artists. Saturday’s protest will commence at 3pm from Parliament in Valletta, with organisers framing it as “a plea for humanity” and an opportunity for Malta to position itself “on the right side of history”.
