Eurovision semi-final kicks off with focus on Israeli contestant

The second semi-final of the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest kicked off in Sweden late on Thursday, with much of the focus expected to be on Israel’s performance after thousands joined a pro-Palestinian protest earlier in the day.

Some 100,000 visitors have gathered in the southern Swedish city of Malmo for the annual kitsch-fest, which is taking place amid protests and boycotts over the Israeli military campaign in Gaza that was triggered by Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack on Israel.

Eurovision fans dressed in quirky outfits...