Sweden is hosting the Eurovision Song Contest from May 7-11, bringing together 100,000 visitors to Malmo. Organizers have planned a tribute to ABBA, who won Eurovision 50 years ago. Security will be tight due to the contest’s high profile, heightened terror threats, and protests over Israel’s participation. Israel’s song has been modified to remove references to the conflict in Gaza. Switzerland’s Nemo is the favorite to win, according to bookmakers.
UNRWA head Philippe Lazzarini asserts that attacks on the agency are aimed at denying Palestinian refugee status. Despite facing financial challenges, the agency continues to operate with limited resources until June.
The US is considering sanctions against an Israeli army battalion, Netzah Yehuda, over alleged human rights violations against Palestinians. The unit has been under investigation for incidents of violence, including the detention of an elderly Palestinian-American who later died. The Israeli government has condemned the reports of impending sanctions, calling them “the height of absurdity.”
