The dramatic anti-Israel Eurovision protests, in pictures

Eurovision has denied 'censoring' audience protests over Israel's participation in the contest - as it qualified for Saturday's final.

Eden Golan, who is representing Israel in the Eurovision Song Contest 2024, made the final in Malmo, Sweden after a public vote, amid ongoing protests against her involvement.

As the 20-year-old took to the stage for Thursday night's semi-finals, there was an eruption of cheers from the audience - in contrast to boos the previous night and reported shouts of "free Palestine" - prompting some to suggest that organisers had 'censored' protests from the audience.

One X user wrote: "Seriously fake cheering", while another said: "You can immediately notice the fake clapping and cheering when she started."

But organisers denied the claims, saying: "Just like in all major TV productions with an audience, SVT work on the broadcast sound to even out the levels for TV viewers.

"This is solely to achieve as balanced a sound mix as possible for the audience; and SVT do not censor sound from the arena audience. The same principle applies to all competing performances and opening and interval acts.

"The EBU and SVT encourage all audiences to attend in the spirit of the Contest, embracing its values of inclusivity, celebrating diversity and being United By Music."

This year’s Eurovision Song Contest has been hit by protests over Israel’s participation amid the ongoing war in Gaza. They have included marches in Malmo, including one attended by climate activist Greta Thunberg.

Here’s how the protests have developed over the past few days.

5 April

Posters protesting against Israel's participation at Eurovision are spotted around Malmo, as the Swedish city prepares to welcome thousands of music fans for the annual contest.

10 April

Before the contestants arrived in Malmo, protesters gathered outside City Hall in Malmo as the municipal board considered a citizens' proposal to stop Israel's participation in the contest.

Banners called for the boycott of Israel above the Eurovision logo, while others featured red stains to look like blood and a pair of scissors cutting the chord to a microphone displaying an Israeli flag.

The European Broadcasting Union (EBU), previously banned Russia in 2022 following its invasion of Ukraine, over what it said was “persistent breaches of membership obligations and the violation of public service values”.

However, the EBU did not ban Israel this year and urged people to refrain from online abuse directed at some participating artists.

4 May

On Saturday, 4 May, a small protest took place outside the Eurovision Village – a fan zone that hosts performances and live broadcasts.

People took to the streets daubed in Palestinian flags, while others could be seen draped outside homes close to the area.

A band were seen performing during the demonstration, playing music as protesters marched behind them.

6 May

A small pro-Palestinian protest broke out while 2014 winner Conchita Wurst was on stage at the Eurovision Village on Monday night. Drag queen Wurst was headlining and called for “unity and freedom” ahead of the gig.

Demonstrations took place at the back of the crowd, with some people waving Palestinian flags and holding placards that read: “Stop murdering Palestinians.”

Shouting could also be heard as protesters attempted to disrupt the performance.

8 May

Rehearsals for the contest have already been blighted by protests for Golan. As she emerged in a circle flanked by dancers, shouts could be heard.

Videos posted on X showing people booing and yelling “free Palestine”.

Some in attendance described the scenes as ”horrible”. One person wrote on X: ”The atmosphere inside the arena was horrible. You could feel the tension. Shouts of 'free Palestine' in the quiet parts. Booing audible in places. People arguing in the standing section.“

9 May

Climate activist Greta Thunberg joined thousands of of pro-Palestinian demonstrators in Malmo on Thursday. Around 100,000 people were involved in the protest, with a huge police presence there in response.

Thunberg said: "Young people are leading the way and showing the world how we should react to this."

Metal barricades and large concrete blocks have been put up around Malmo Arena, which is hosting the competition.

Police are guarding the venue and visitors need to pass through metal detectors before entering the arena. Bags are being checked and visitors are only allowed to bring in small purses.