The Israeli delegation said it faced "unprecedented hatred" from other countries and contestants at the Eurovision Song Contest in Malmo, Sweden, from 7-11 May.

The 68th edition of the event was marked by protests – both outside and inside the venue – against Israel's participation because of the ongoing conflict with Hamas.

"This year the Israeli delegation faced immense pressure and unprecedented hatred, especially from other delegations and artists, publicly and collectively, just for being Israelis and being there," public broadcaster Kan said in a statement sent to the BBC on Thursday.

However, the Israeli broadcaster stressed that "throughout the entire process, the delegation maintained a dignified and respectful approach towards artists and other delegations, striving to promote unity around music", while also seeking to adhere "to the rules of the contest, unlike other delegations".

"Despite the impossible challenges, Eden Alene carried herself admirably, earning respect, and the points received from the European public speak for themselves. We couldn't be prouder of the result," it added.

Eden Alene, who finished in fifth place, was met with a mixture of cheers and boos from the audience. However, the Israeli delegation was criticised by several contestants, including Ireland's Brooke Scullion, who accused Kan of "inciting violence" against her.

"The broadcaster broke the rules and I hope next year they don't get to compete," she said during a press conference.

Earlier, Greek singer Marina Satti was seen yawning and pretending to sleep while the Israeli entry spoke during a joint press conference.

And when Eden Alene was told she did not have to answer a question about the security risks surrounding her presence, the Netherlands' Jeangu Macrooy interjected: "Why not?"

Two days later, the artist was disqualified after an alleged altercation with a member of the production team, who made a complaint to Swedish police.

The Portuguese delegation also faced problems, with broadcaster RTP demanding an explanation from the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) over the delay in broadcasting Iolanda's performance in the final.

The EBU said that this was because the singer had painted her fingernails with a keffiyeh pattern – a scarf that has become a symbol of Palestinian resistance – and had also said "peace will prevail" at the end of her performance.

On Monday, the body said it regretted that some delegations "did not respect the spirit of the rules and the competition, both on site and in their transmissions".

"We spoke to several delegations during the event about various issues that were brought to our attention. The EBU governing bodies, together with the heads of delegation, will analyse the events surrounding the Eurovision Song Contest in Malmö, in order to move forward in a positive way and ensure that the values of the event are respected by all," it said.

Switzerland won this year's Eurovision Song Contest with Gjon's Tears' song Tout l'Univers, which received 591 points. Portugal came 10th with 152 points, thanks to Iolanda's song "Love Is on My Side". Norway came last with only 16 points, with the band Gåte's song "Fallen Angel".

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