Nemo, last year's Eurovision winner, said Thursday he was returning the 2024 trophy in protest over Israel's continued participation, which has already prompted five countries to pull out.

"I no longer feel like this trophy belongs on my shelf," the Swiss vocalist said on Instagram.

The Eurovision Song Contest, the world's biggest live televised music event, is put on by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU).

On December 4, members of the world's largest public service media alliance decided no vote was needed on Israel's inclusion in the glitzy annual extravaganza.

Widespread opposition to the two-year war in Gaza had led to mounting calls for Israel to be excluded.

The public broadcasters in Spain, Ireland, the Netherlands, Slovenia and Iceland have announced they are boycotting the

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