**Eurovision: Survivor of Hamas Attack to Represent Israel**
A survivor of the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, has been selected to represent Israel at Eurovision. Yuval Raphael was attending the Nova music festival when Hamas launched a cross-border assault from Gaza into southern Israel, resulting in the deaths of hundreds and numerous hostages taken from the event.
The amateur singer, who was with friends during the attack, recounted to Israel’s parliament that she concealed herself under deceased bodies for eight hours. “I’m going to deal with this thing for the rest of my life,” she stated.
At 24 years old, Raphael secured her spot at Eurovision, scheduled to take place in Switzerland in May, by winning the Rising Star singing competition on Israeli television. She performed ABBA’s “Dancing Queen,” dedicating her performance to the victims of the attack that ignited the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.
Following her victory, she expressed her excitement, saying, “I can’t explain how excited and ready I am. Thank you for giving me this huge honour and trusting me to represent my country on the grand Eurovision stage in Switzerland.”
Since the 2023 attack, which claimed over 1,200 lives, the conflict has escalated, with reports indicating that Israel has caused over 45,000 fatalities in Gaza, according to the health ministry, which does not differentiate between combatants and civilians. Approximately 90% of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents are believed to have been displaced. A ceasefire has recently been established, facilitating the return of hostages and prisoners.
