Thousands protest against Israel at Eurovision

Thousands of pro-Palestinian demonstrators have gathered in the Swedish city of Malmo to protest Israel's participation in the Eurovision song contest.

It comes as the city prepares to host the competition's second semi-final on Thursday night, in which Israel's entrant Eden Golan is performing.

On Wednesday, Ms Golan was booed during a rehearsal of her song Hurricane.

A demonstration in support of Israel has also taken place.

Among those attending the pro-Palestinian protest was the climate activist Greta Thunberg.

She told the BBC that there was a "moral obligation to act" and to speak out against Israel's military operation in Gaza.

"If we are tens of thousands of people flooding the streets of Malmo when Eurovision is taking place, saying we will not accept this to continue, then it's a very strong signal - and it does make a difference," Ms Thunberg said.

Ms Golan, meanwhile, said in a statement that she was "proud to represent my country" and that "nothing will deter" her.

The Israeli Broadcasting Corporation, which organises the country's contest entry, says it has asked the European Broadcasting Union to prevent a repeat of the booing incident.

The Swedish authorities say they have heightened security in place and are prepared for potential unrest.

Israel is currently engaged in a military campaign in Gaza, which they launched as a response to Hamas' cross-border attack on southern Israel on 7 October.

About 1,200 people were killed and 252 others were taken hostage.

More than 34,900 people have been killed in Gaza since then, according to the territory's Hamas-run health ministry.