RTÉ will not take part in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest “if the participation of Israel goes ahead”, the Irish broadcaster has announced.

In a statement, RTÉ said that Ireland’s participation in the event “would be unconscionable given the ongoing and appalling loss of lives in Gaza”.

Ireland have won the contest seven times in total, most recently in 1996.

RTÉ will make a final decision once the European Broadcasting Union makes its decision.