The public broadcaster organising Germany's entry for Eurovision said Thursday that Israel was entitled to compete in the contest, as European broadcasters debate whether to exclude the country over its conduct in Gaza.

The broadcaster SWR said in a statement sent to AFP that "the Israeli broadcaster KAN fulfils all the requirements for participation" in the contest.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, a strong supporter of Israel, said in October that the prospect of Israel being excluded was "scandalous" and that he would advocate Germany boycotting the contest in that case.

The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) is currently holding a two-day meeting in Geneva to discuss the issue, with several countries threatening to pull out if Israel is allowed to take part.

SWR said that the Eurov

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