Greta Thunberg joins pro Palestinian protesters in Malmo ahead of the Eurovision semi-final

Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg joined thousands of pro-Palestine protests in Malmo against Israel competing in the Eurovision Song Contest on Thursday night, shortly before Israel was due to perform at the competition's second semi final.

Thunberg joined the protests at the Stop Israel demonstration, between Stortorget Square and Molleplatsen Park in the centre of the Swedish capital.

The 21 year old activist was pictured wearing a keffiyeh, a scarf commonly associated as a symbol of Palestinian solidarity.

During the demonstrations, smoke canisters in the colours of the Palestinian flag were set off along with chants of "Free Palestine".

Starting at the historic Stortorget square near Malmo's 16th-century town hall sits, protesters marched across the city to Molleplatsen Park, with the crowd stretching about a mile long.

A banner was created with Eurovision-style branding with the words “genocide” on it, which was later taken to Malmo Arena, where activists handed out leaflets also describing Israel's military campaign in Gaza as a genocide.

BREAKING: Wow.

Happening now in Malmo, Sweden.

HUGE pro-Palestine protest opposing Israel’s participation in Eurovision.

🇵🇸🔥pic.twitter.com/D6ZrOsswwP

— sarah (@sahouraxo) May 9, 2024

There has been considerable controversy surrounding Israel's participation at this year's Eurovision Song Contest after the country issued a brutal military campaign on the Gaza Strip in response to the Hamas October 7 attacks.

This year's Israeli Eurovision entrant, Eden Golan originally submitted a song titled 'October Rain' which many took to be a direct reference to the Hamas attacks.

The song was permitted after Golan agreed to change the title to 'Hurricane'.

Golan was met with boos and chants of "Free Palestine", during an earlier rehearsal for the Eurovision semi final on Tuesday.

The competition's final will take place Saturday May 11 at 8pm. Venues across Ireland are hosting Alternative Eurovision Events to boycott and protest Isreal's inclusion in this year's competition.