ReutersIsraeli fans came under a series of attacks in central Amsterdam and riot police had to intervene multiple times to protect them, officials said.
Prime Minister Dick Shoff condemned “anti-Semitic attacks” and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said two “rescue planes” were being flown after what the Israeli military described as “serious violence against Israelis”. Sent to Amsterdam.
The mayor of Amsterdam and authorities said Israeli fans were injured in several areas of the Dutch capital despite a heavy police presence.
Supporters of Israeli club Maccabi Tel Aviv traveled to Amsterdam to watch their Europa League match against Ajax.
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Skow said he was horrified by the developments, adding that he had spoken to Netanyahu and stressed that “the perpetrators will be traced and prosecuted.”
Police said 57 people were detained. Dam Square had already seen arrests and riots involving Maccabi fans and pro-Palestinian protesters ahead of the game, with reports of supporters setting off fireworks and tearing down Palestinian flags in nearby streets.
But after the game, the unrest intensified. Police said it was unclear who was involved in the riot and told local media those involved were wearing dark clothing.
Multiple videos circulated on social media, including one showing a man being kicked on the ground and another showing someone being run over. In some footage, which has not been confirmed by the BBC, people can be heard shouting pro-Palestinian slogans.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog spoke of the “massacre” against Maccabi fans and Israeli citizens. Dutch anti-Islam politician Geert Wilders, who leads the largest party in parliament, also spoke of a massacre, saying “the authorities will be held accountable for failing to protect Israeli citizens”.
Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema had earlier tried to disperse pro-Palestinian protesters from the Johan Cruyff Arena to prevent trouble. But reports in the Netherlands said a large group then tried to make their way to the stadium but were stopped by riot police.
EPA-EFE/REX/ShutterstockHerzog said on X that he believed Dutch authorities would take immediate action “to protect, locate and rescue all Israelis and Jews under attack.”
Israeli officials urged citizens to stay inside hotels, and public broadcaster Naoto Kan quoted the Foreign Ministry as saying contact had been lost with three people.
Deborah Lipstadt, the U.S. special envoy on anti-Semitism, said she was shocked by the attacks in Amsterdam, which were “very reminiscent of a classic Holocaust” and that she was deeply moved by how long they had gone on. disturbed.
She pointed out that the violence occurred two days before the anniversary of the Nazi massacre of Jews in Germany in November 1938.
