Ireland, the Netherlands, Spain and Slovenia said they were pulling out of the contest after organizers decided to allow Israel to continue to compete, despite tensions over its conduct in Gaza.

Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem on Friday criticised the Lebanese government's decision to send a civilian delegate to the ceasefire committee, calling it a "free concession" to Israel and a clear violation of previous government positions.

Gaza militia leader Yasser Abu Shabab died from injuries sustained in a clan confrontation while working to distribute aid and fight Hamas in Rafah.

In all, 20 living hostages and the remains of 27 others have been returned to Israel since a U.S.-brokered ceasefire began in early October.

Yasser Abu Shabab, most prominent of Israeli proxy forces seeking to rival Hamas, dies after dispute with another clan

Former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said young Americans lack historical context about Israel after consuming misinformation on social media platforms.

Austria, the host of next year's contest, supported Israel's continued participation, while Germany had threatened to withdraw if Israel was excluded.