Israeli football fans supporting the Maccabi Tel Aviv team were attacked after their Europa League game against Ajax in Amsterdam. The Dutch government labeled these incidents anti-Semitic attacks on Israeli citizens.
Five individuals required hospitalization following the attacks and 62 people were detained as Dutch police launched an investigation into the violence.
Also Read: Samuel Paty News: Second Trial in Paris Begins Over Teacher’s Killing
The Israeli embassy in the United States shared videos on social media showing the violence, describing Israeli fans as ambushed and attacked.
Israel’s foreign ministry reported at least ten injuries. Israeli officials condemned the incidents with Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar denouncing them as barbaric and antisemitic.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu demanded action from Dutch authorities.
Tensions had reportedly been escalating well before the match, with videos circulating of Maccabi fans chanting anti-Arab slurs and expressing political statements.
Dutch police had already increased their presence in central Amsterdam the day before the match, due to the rising hostility and tensions reported in several areas.
Amsterdam police successfully intervened in a clash between a group of taxi drivers and Maccabi fans near a casino on Wednesday evening.
Authorities also responded to incidents involving the removal of Palestinian flags by unknown parties.
Pro-Palestinian protesters gathered near the stadium prior to the game, but their protest was restricted by local authorities.
Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof voiced his horror at the attacks, denouncing them as completely unacceptable anti-Semitic incidents.
Schoof personally assured Prime Minister Netanyahu of his commitment to bring the perpetrators to justice, stressing that public safety for all Israeli citizens in the Netherlands is paramount.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar advised Israelis in Amsterdam to remain indoors following the attacks.
Israel initially planned to deploy rescue planes for its citizens stranded in Amsterdam, but later opted to coordinate commercial flight arrangements as the security situation stabilized.
These incidents in Amsterdam coincide with other anti-Israel protests in European soccer. An example occurred in Paris, where PSG fans displayed a Free Palestine banner at Parc des Princes stadium.
European soccer arenas have become platforms for expressing political views, with Free Palestine imagery being visible in recent Champions League and Europa League matches.
French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau condemned the display of the banner at the PSG stadium, stating that such a banner has no place in a football stadium.
Retailleau addressed the need to keep political expressions from disrupting the sports domain. France may consider stricter rules around banner displays at sports events.
Also Read: Olympus News: Olympus Shares Fall After CEO Resigns Over Drug Allegation
The Amsterdam police have initiated a major investigation into the violent events including assessing reports of a potential hostage situation and unaccounted individuals.
Authorities set up a security cordon around the Israeli fans and a bus transporting them to prevent attacks.
Riot police worked to control pro-Palestinian groups attempting to reach the stadium after the match, though earlier protests near Dam Square had already created a tense environment.
Videos on social media showed scenes including individuals being kicked and beaten, with some in dark clothing shouting pro-Palestinian slogans.
Isaac Herzog, President of Israel referred to the violence as a pogrom, a term laden with significance for Jewish communities. He addressed his trust in Dutch authorities to handle the situation.
Chanan Hertzberger of the Central Jewish Committee accused certain groups including taxi drivers, of helping instigate and corner Israeli fans.
Israel’s Ministry of National Security urged its citizens in Amsterdam to remain in their hotels. Netanyahu’s office initially announced plans to send two military planes, however, these were later canceled in favor of El Al rescue flights to bring Israeli fans back home safely.
The Israeli military prepared to dispatch cargo planes with medical and rescue teams to Amsterdam coordinating closely with the Dutch government.
The Dutch government has initiated an investigation to identify the perpetrators involved in the attacks on Israeli fans. Dutch and Israeli officials continue to coordinate closely.
Also Read: Egypt Proposes 2-Day Gaza Truce and Hostage-Prisoner Exchange
