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Iceland used the Eurovision Song Contest to protest against the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories and the violation of Palestinian human rights.

As the country’s points were announced during the results, the band, Hatari, were seen on camera holding up banners in support of Palestine.

Cameras quickly moved away from the band, and hosts Bar Refaeli and Ezra Tel – looking incredibly uncomfortable – moved on to the next score.

Protests have been held in Tel Aviv against the backdrop of the Eurovision Song Contest, calling for a boycott of the contest to support Palestinians.

The 2019 song contest has been one of the most controversial to date, due to it taking place in Tel Aviv, Israel, following Netta’s win with Toy last year in Lisbon.

Iceland held up Palestinian banners (Picture: BBC)

There have been many calls to boycott the contest due to the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories and the recent flare-up of violence between the Israeli Army and militants in Gaza.

As the first semi-final kicked off, protestors set up shop outside Expo Tel Aviv, where Eurovision is being held, and in Habima Square to demand the removal of Israel’s continuing blockade on Gaza.

Signs reading ‘Free Palestine’ and ‘Boycott Eurovision’ were held while rehearsals were underway in Tel Aviv, with one sign reading: ‘Songs and glitter cannot hide homeland being occupied.’

Others waved Palestinian flags at the peaceful protest.

Israel’s hosting of Eurovision 2019 has resulted in thousands of fans boycotting the contest and hosting anti-Eurovision parties and fundraisers to side with Palestine.

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Madonna also referenced the calls to boycott Israel’s hosting of the contest as she attended the grand final in Tel Aviv.

Ahead of her performance of Future ft Quavo and her 30-year-old classic Like A Prayer, Madge chatted to host Assi Azar in the green room and although she didn’t address the controversy specifically, she said she was going to say something ‘obvious’ about why she was performing at the contest.

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The 61-year-old said: ‘Look at all the delegates behind us. So many countries that I have been privileged enough to visit an experience, the one thing that brings me to those countries is music.

‘So let’s never underestimate the power of music to bring people together.’

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