Thousands protest in Malmo against Israel’s participation in final

Thousands of anti-war activists protested against Israel's inclusion in the Eurovision Song Contest on Saturday, as Israel's war on Gaza continues to cast a shadow over the final of the glitzy contest.

Large crowds of protesters, estimated between 6,000-8,000, gathered at the central square of the Swedish host city of Malmo before marching towards the contest venue, waving Palestinian flags and shouting "Eurovision united by genocide" – a twist on the contest's official slogan "united by music."

Several protesters could also be heard chanting "Shame on you" at attendees arriving at the arena, as they demanded a boycott of this year's competition for its inclusion of Israel.

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