Sequins and rockets – how Eurovision became a flashpoint between Israel and Hamas  

The lights up go up at the Expo centre in Tel Aviv. The anti-capitalist rockers in bondage gear representing Iceland at this year’s Eurovision take the stage. The crowd cheers as millions watch on television around the world. 

And then the sirens begin to blare as the first rockets roar from Gaza towards Tel Aviv. 

This is the nightmare scenario for Israel as it prepares for Tuesday’s opening of Eurovision, just a week after a round of intense fighting between Israeli forces and Palestinian militants in Gaza. 

The song contest, one of the largest international events Israel has ever hosted, is meant to showcase Tel Aviv as a hip, Mediterranean city akin to Barcelona and untroubled by the conflicts…

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