Pakistan, Sept. 18 -- Ireland will not participate in the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest, broadcaster RTE said on Thursday. The decision marks Ireland's second consecutive absence from the competition. RTE cited the continuing loss of life and humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Ireland also skipped Eurovision 2026 alongside Iceland, the Netherlands, Slovenia and Spain. The five countries stayed away in protest against Israel's participation. Dutch broadcaster AvroTros has already announced a similar boycott for the 2027 contest.

RTE said it would not participate in or broadcast the 2027 competition. Burgas, Bulgaria, will host the contest after Bulgaria secured its first Eurovision victory in May. RTE said the ongoing humanitarian crisis made p...