MTV cancels Europe Music Awards show in light of Israel-Hamas war

PARIS (TND) — MTV has canceled the Europe Music Awards show for 2023, citing the escalating conflict between Israel and Hamas.

The network said Thursday in a statement that they canceled the ceremony in Paris out of "an abundance of caution" for employees, crew members and all others directly involved in the show.

As we watch the devastating events in Israel and Gaza continue to unfold, this does not feel like a moment for a global celebration," the network said. "With thousands of lives already lost, it is a moment of mourning."

MTV said voting will continue and winning artists will still receive their awards. The next EMAs will be hosted in November 2024.

Hamas originally attacked Israel's border on Oct. 7. Israel continues to retaliate against the terrorist attacks with airstrikes and bombs while ordering an evacuation of citizens to the south.

Gaza's Health Ministry said Thursday that 3,785 Palestinians have been killed so far and nearly 12,500 have been wounded.

More than 1,400 people in Israel have been killed, mostly in the initial attack.

Gaza is still reeling from a deadly explosion at a hospital Tuesday that killed some 500 people and prompted mass protests in Arab nations. President Joe Biden on Wednesday said Israel will allow Egypt to deliver humanitarian aid into Gaza but the aid will be subject to inspections to ensure none of it goes to Hamas.

See MTV's full statement below:

"Given the volatility of world events, we have decided not to move forward with the 2023 MTV EMAs out of an abundance of caution for the thousands of employees, crew members, artists, fans, and partners who travel from all corners of the world to bring the show to life. The MTV EMAs are an annual celebration of global music.

As we watch the devastating events in Israel and Gaza continue to unfold, this does not feel like a moment for a global celebration. With thousands of lives already lost, it is a moment of mourning.

Voting is continuing and the winning artists will receive their MTV EMA Awards.

We look forward to hosting the MTV EMAs again in November of 2024."