00:00 As Eurovision fans gear up for the final in Sweden this weekend, a dark cloud hangs over the contest.
00:08 Thousands of pro-Palestinian protesters, including climate activist Greta Thunberg,
00:14 are taking to the capital and calling for the removal of the Israeli finalist Eden Golem.
00:20 We're all here for one reason and one reason only.
00:23 And the EBU is taking all safety precautions to make this a safe and a united place for everyone.
00:33 But pro-Israel supporters have also turned out in droves campaigning for Golen,
00:39 including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
00:43 So, say "Blessings" and know that when they shout "Booz" we shout "Eidad".
00:50 A day before the final, a ship filled with humanitarian aid for Gaza prepares to depart.
00:56 The vessel aims to raise awareness for the deaths of over 35,000 Palestinians killed.
01:03 When Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, Russia was excluded from the Eurovision without any protests
01:11 and almost immediately we expect the same treatment for Israel in this regard.
01:17 The ten acts moving into this weekend's final are Latvia, Austria, the Netherlands,
01:23 Norway, Israel, Greece, Estonia, Switzerland, Georgia and Armenia.
01:28 Many pro-Palestinian protests are scheduled to coincide with this Saturday final
01:33 as the Israel-Hamas war grinds into its seventh month.
01:37 For more UN videos visit: www.un.org/webcast
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