Web Summit Lisbon at Risk of Cancellation Over Israel’s Withdrawal and CEO Cosgrove’s Controversial Views
In Brief
The Web Summit in Lisbon may be in jeopardy, as Israel withdrew participation due to CEO Cosgrove’s pro Hamas remarks.
The Israeli Ambassador to Portugal, Dor Shapira, has announced that Israel will not participate in the upcoming Web Summit in Lisbon, citing controversial remarks by the conference’s Chief Executive and co-founder, Paddy Cosgrave, regarding the Israel-Palestine conflict. The decision highlights growing tensions and controversy surrounding the event.
The Web Summit, originally planned for November 13 to 16, is now facing the risk of cancellation as an increasing number of companies have also chosen to withdraw their participation.
Shapira attributed the decision to what he termed “outrageous statements” made by Paddy Cosgrave, who, in a recent X post, criticized Western leaders’ actions in the Israel-Palestine conflict.
On Friday, Cosgrave wrote on X that he was “shocked at the rhetoric and actions of so many Western leaders & governments, with the exception in particular of Ireland’s government, who for once are doing the right thing.”
“War crimes are war crimes even when committed by allies, and should be called out for what they are,” he added.
Later, Cosgrove wrote: “What Hamas did is outrageous and disgusting. It is by every measure an act of monstrous evil. Israel has a right to defend itself, but it does not, as I have already stated, have a right to break international law.”
Cosgrave’s remarks triggered a significant backlash, leading to cancellations by multiple companies and prominent figures within the tech industry. While Cosgrave later attempted to clarify his stance, expressing condolences for civilian casualties in Israel and Gaza, the controversy continues to cast a shadow over the upcoming conference.
Dozens of speakers and other participants have condemned Cosgrave and refused to participate in the Summit, further intensifying the uncertainty surrounding the event. Web Summit, with its CEO, has been labeled as “sympathizers with terrorists,” accused of “supporting kidnappers” and accused of promoting “anti-Semitism.”
Today, Cosgrove tweeted, saying “We are devastated to see the terrible killings and the level of innocent civilian casualties in Israel and Gaza. We condemn the attacks by Hamas and extend our deepest sympathies to everyone who has lost loved ones. We hope for peaceful reconciliation.”
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About The Author
Agne is a journalist who covers the latest trends and developments in the metaverse, AI, and Web3 industries for the Metaverse Post. Her passion for storytelling has led her to conduct numerous interviews with experts in these fields, always seeking to uncover exciting and engaging stories. Agne holds a Bachelor’s degree in literature and has an extensive background in writing about a wide range of topics including travel, art, and culture. She has also volunteered as an editor for the animal rights organization, where she helped raise awareness about animal welfare issues. Contact her on agnec@mpost.io.
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Agne is a journalist who covers the latest trends and developments in the metaverse, AI, and Web3 industries for the Metaverse Post. Her passion for storytelling has led her to conduct numerous interviews with experts in these fields, always seeking to uncover exciting and engaging stories. Agne holds a Bachelor’s degree in literature and has an extensive background in writing about a wide range of topics including travel, art, and culture. She has also volunteered as an editor for the animal rights organization, where she helped raise awareness about animal welfare issues. Contact her on agnec@mpost.io.
