Four countries pull out of Eurovision after Israel decision

Ireland, the Netherlands, Spain and Slovenia have pulled out of next year's Eurovision Song Contest after organisers decided to allow Israel to compete.

The walkouts came after the general assembly of the European Broadcasting Union - a group of public broadcasters from 56 countries that runs the Eurovision Song Contest - met to discuss concerns about Israel's participation.

The EBU decided to allow Israel to compete at a meeting in Geneva despite opposition from some countries over Israel's conduct in the Gaza war, where many civilians are killed.

The music gala draws more than 100 million viewers every year. Icelandic broadcaster RUV said its chiefs would meet next Wednesday to discuss whether Iceland would take part.

Its board last week recommended that Israel be barred from the event in the Austrian capital.