DUBLIN, Ireland: The Taoiseach Micheál Martin has called Ireland's withdrawal from the Eurovision Song Contest in support of journalists killed in Gaza an "act of solidarity."

Ireland is one of several countries that pulled out after the European Broadcasting Union allowed Israel to take part despite the war in Gaza. Taoiseach Micheál Martin said he "fully understands" why Ireland's national broadcaster RTÉ made the decision.

But Northern Ireland's leaders disagreed when asked about the move at a British-Irish Council press conference. First Minister Michelle O'Neill said the withdrawal sent a "strong message," while Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said the withdrawal would not make any difference in the Middle East.

Martin said journalists and medical workers showed great bravery during the Gaza conflict. He said withdrawing from Eurovision is a show of solidarity with journalists killed during the war, adding that their reporting revealed the horrors in Gaza to the world.

He also said Ireland's recognition of Palestine as a state is part of broader efforts to support peace and allow more humanitarian aid into Gaza.

Tánaiste Simon Harris said he respected that RTÉ made an independent decision. He noted that many journalists have been killed in the conflict and said the media still has limited access to Gaza. He said he believed RTÉ carefully considered the issue.

O'Neill said she supported the withdrawal, calling it the right choice during what she described as the "biggest humanitarian crisis of our time."

Little-Pengelly argued the focus should be on actions that can help achieve a lasting ceasefire, not boycotting a singing competition.