European politicians are condemning a Belgian classical music festival's decision to cancel an upcoming performance led by an Israeli conductor due to concerns over where he stands on the war in Gaza.

Organizers of the Flanders Festival Ghent announced on Wednesday they were cancelling a performance by the Munich Philharmonic Orchestra slated for Sept. 18. They cited concerns surrounding the orchestra's future chief conductor, Lahav Shani.

Shani, who was born in Tel Aviv, is the director of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra. Although he's not set to take over the Munich Philharmonic until next year, he was expected to conduct the performance in Ghent, Belgium.

Festival organizers said they made the decision even though Shani had previously spoken out "in favour of peace and reconciliati

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