Israeli soccer followers have been attacked in Amsterdam, officers say

Benjamin Daniel

International Courant

Dutch police have arrested 57 folks in central Amsterdam after clashes broke out, reportedly involving younger locals and Israeli soccer supporters.

Prime Minister Dick Schoof condemned “anti-Semitic assaults” and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated two “rescue planes” have been despatched to Amsterdam after what the Israeli military described as “critical and violent incidents towards Israelis”.

A police spokeswoman advised Dutch media that unrest had damaged out round Dam Sq. within the coronary heart of the capital, however didn’t say who was concerned.

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Supporters of the Israeli membership Maccabi Tel Aviv had traveled to Amsterdam for a European Cup match towards Ajax.

Schoof stated he had been watching the developments with horror, including that he had spoken to Netanyahu and emphasizing that the “perpetrators will probably be tracked down and prosecuted.”

Earlier than the match, there had already been arrests and hassle on Dam Sq. involving Maccabi followers and pro-Palestinian demonstrators, and there have been reviews of supporters setting off fireworks and flattening a Palestinian flag in a close-by road.

However after the match the unrest grew. Police stated it was unclear who took half within the riots and advised native media that these concerned have been carrying darkish clothes.

A number of movies circulated on social media, with one displaying a person being kicked and punched to the bottom and one other displaying somebody being run over. In some movies, folks could possibly be heard shouting pro-Palestinian slogans, though the footage has not been verified by the BBC.

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Israeli President Isaac Herzog spoke of a “pogrom” towards Maccabi followers and Israeli residents. Dutch anti-Islam politician Geert Wilders, who leads the most important social gathering in parliament, additionally spoke of a pogrom and stated “the authorities will probably be held accountable for their failure to guard Israeli residents.”

Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema had beforehand tried to forestall issues by eradicating pro-Palestinian demonstrators from the Johan Cruijff Area. However in line with Dutch reviews, a big group had then tried to go to the stadium however have been stopped by riot police.

Herzog stated on X that he trusted Dutch authorities would act instantly to “defend, find and rescue all Israelis and Jews beneath assault.”

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Israeli soccer followers have been attacked in Amsterdam, officers say

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