Several violent incidents took place in Amsterdam against Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters after Ajax’s Football match against Maccabi Tel Aviv. Israeli fans were beaten, hit by cars or thrown into the canal. Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli Prime Minister, sent two relief planes.
Clashes broke out overnight from Thursday to Friday in the center of Amsterdam following a Europa League match between Ajax and Maccabi Tel-Aviv. The latest report shows five people hospitalized, according to Amsterdam police.
Israel evokes violence “appalling” against his supporters and sending planes to assist them. A first repatriation flight is planned around 2:30 p.m. from Schiphol airport to Israel. Other flights are still planned this evening and tomorrow.
Israeli fans were escorted by police to Schiphol Airport. Security has also been reinforced in the departure hall.
Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof called “unacceptable” THE “anti-Semitic attacks against Israelis” in Amsterdam, in a message posted on his X account. “I am in close contact with all those concerned” and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu”insisted on the fact that the perpetrators of these acts must be sought and prosecuted”said Mr. Schoof, adding that calm had returned to the Dutch capital.
“This outbreak of violence against Israeli fans goes beyond all bounds and cannot be defended in any way. There is no excuse for the anti-Semitic behavior displayed last night by the rioters who actively sought out Israeli fans to attack them and mistreat them.”said the security consultation of Amsterdam’s mayor, police and prosecutor’s office.
Police deployment
Deployed massively on Thursday during the match, the Amsterdam police, cited by the Dutch agency ANP, indicated that they had made 62 arrests after several incidents on the sidelines of the match, without giving further details.
The Israeli authorities reacted very strongly, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu saying they considered “the appalling incident with the greatest seriousness” et “demand (the Dutch authorities) to act vigorously and quickly against the rioters”.
“The difficult images of the aggression against our citizens in Amsterdam will not be ignored”he assured.
He announced “the immediate dispatch of two relief planes” to provide assistance to Israeli supporters, while the Israeli army has indicated for its part that it is preparing “a rescue mission” including a cargo plane as well as medical teams.
Contacted by AFP, the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs indicated that “Minister (Caspar) Veldkamp was in urgent contact with his Israeli counterpart following the violent incidents”which took place overnight in the center of Amsterdam, following the match between Ajax and Maccabi Tel-Aviv and won by the Dutch club (5-0).
UEFA to gather reports and evidence
The European Football Union, UEFA, will collect all existing reports and evidence following the anti-Semitic violence committed against Israeli fans in Amsterdam. The European body indicated its intention in a statement obtained by Sky News.
“UEFA strongly condemns the violent events that took place before and after the match in Amsterdam. We are convinced that the authorities will identify, punish and take appropriate measures against the perpetrators of these acts.“.
Reactions from EU leaders
The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, said:indignant“by the “despicable attacks” against Israeli football fans in Amsterdam. “I strongly condemn these unacceptable acts. Anti-Semitism has absolutely no place in Europe. And we are determined to combat all forms of hatred”reacted Ms. von der Leyen on X.
The President of the European Council, Charles Michel, also reacted. “I strongly condemn the completely reprehensible attacks against Israeli citizens in Amsterdam. Such acts of violence and hatred must be unequivocally rejected in any society.”declared Charles Michel via the same channel. “Our commitment to the fight against anti-Semitism and all forms of hatred remains unwavering.”
Since the European summit in Budapest, the Belgian Prime Minister for Current Affairs, Alexander De Croo, has also condemned the clashes. “Everyone can have their opinion on what is happening in the Middle East, but ideas must be fought with words, not with violence”he declared. “This type of thing is reprehensible and we must ensure that citizens, wherever they come from, can attend a football match. I strongly condemn what happened there.”
Amsterdam Israeli supporters Benjamin Netanyahu
