 "Israeli fans ‘ambushed’ in Amsterdam: Dutch police say 5 hospitalised, 62 arrested after violence")
Five people were hospitalised and 62 arrested following violent attacks targeting Israeli fans after a soccer match between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv, Amsterdam police said on Friday.
The incidents, described by authorities as “systematic violence” by antisemitic rioters, have drawn widespread condemnation, including from Dutch and Israeli leaders as well as Jewish organisations.
Following the developments, Israel’s foreign minister has made an urgent diplomatic visit to the Netherlands, emphasising concerns over rising security threats against Israeli teams in various countries amidst ongoing Middle Eastern conflicts.
Meanwhile, Amsterdam police have launched a major investigation into the incidents and pledged increased security, with additional police patrols planned in the coming days. Jewish institutions in the city, known for its significant Jewish community and historical connections to Anne Frank, will also receive heightened security measures.
Earlier, a statement issued by the Dutch capital’s municipality, police and prosecution office said that the night “was very turbulent with several incidents of violence aimed at Maccabi supporters’’ after antisemitic rioters “actively sought out Israeli supporters to attack and assault them.''
It was not immediately clear when and where violence erupted after the match.
“In several places in the city, supporters were attacked. The police had to intervene several times, protect Israeli supporters and escort them to hotels. Despite the massive police presence in the city, Israeli supporters have been injured,” the Amsterdam statement said.
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The violence erupted despite a ban on a pro-Palestinian demonstration near the soccer stadium imposed by Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema, who had feared that clashes would break out between protesters and supporters of the Israeli soccer club.
There were also incidents involving fans ahead of the match. Dutch broadcaster NOS reported that a Palestinian flag was ripped off a building in the center of the city and riot police blocked pro-Palestinian supporters trying to march toward the Johan Cruyff Arena stadium where the match was being played.
Israel initially ordered that two planes be sent to the Dutch capital to bring the Israelis home, but later the prime minister’s office said it would work on “providing civil aviation solutions for the return of our citizens.''
A statement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said that “the harsh pictures of the assault on our citizens in Amsterdam will not be overlooked,” and that Netanyahu “views the horrifying incident with utmost gravity.” He demanded that the Dutch government take “vigorous and swift action" against those involved.
Netanyahu’s office added that he had called for increased security for the Jewish community in the Netherlands.
Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof said on X that he followed reports of the violence “with horror.”
“Completely unacceptable antisemitic attacks on Israelis. I am in close contact with everyone involved,” he added, saying that he had spoken to Netanyahu and “emphasized that the perpetrators will be tracked down and prosecuted. It is now quiet in the capital.”
Security issues around hosting games against visiting Israeli teams led the Belgian soccer federation to decline to stage a men’s Nations League game in September. That game against Israel was played in Hungary with no fans in the stadium.
The violence in Amsterdam will lead to a review of security at two games this month being organized by European soccer body UEFA. France plays Israel at Stade de France near Paris next Thursday in the Nations League and Maccabi Tel Aviv’s next Europa League game is scheduled in Istanbul on Nov. 28 against Besiktas.
Ajax won the Europa League match 5-0.
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