The Hague/Jerusalem, Nov 8 (EFE).- At least two people were arrested in Amsterdam in connection with clashes between fans of the Israeli football club Maccabi Tel Aviv and pro-Palestinian protesters, which has led the Israeli government to send two rescue planes to the Netherlands.
Police officers make a security cordon around a bus after the soccer match between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv, in Amsterdam, Netherlands, early 08 November 2024. EFE-EPA/VLN Nieuws
«Hundreds of fans of the MaccabiTLVFC soccer team were ambushed and attacked in Amsterdam tonight as they left the stadium following a game against AFCAjax,» Israel’s embassy in the US said on X.
Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters gather at De Dam in Amsterdam ahead of the UEFA Europa League match between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv in Amsterdam, Netherlands, 07 November 2024. EFE-EPA/JEROEN JUMELET
Dutch side Ajax won the Europa League game 5-0.
Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters gather at De Dam in Amsterdam ahead of the UEFA Europa League match between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv in Amsterdam, Netherlands, 07 November 2024. EFE-EPA/JEROEN JUMELET
«The mob who targeted these innocent Israelis has proudly shared their violent acts on social media,» the embassy added.
Demonstrators with Palestinian flags ahead of the UEFA Europa League match between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv at Anton de Komplein in Amsterdam, Netherlands, 07 November 2024. EFE-EPA/JEROEN JUMELET
The embassy also gave two telephone numbers for Israelis in need of assistance.
At least 10 people were injured, the Israeli foreign ministry said in a statement.
Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar has been in contact with Dutch authorities to provide security for fans on their way from their hotels to Amsterdam airport to board their planes, according to his X account.
Reports in the Netherlands indicate that several hundred Maccabi fans had gathered on Dam Square in the city’s center on Thursday afternoon, where there were also several pro-Palestine protesters, leading to clashes.
Two people were arrested after the clashes, but their identities have not been made public, local newspaper Het Parool reported.
On Wednesday, Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema banned a pro-Palestine demonstration that was to take place next to the Johan Cruijff stadium fearing clashes.
«(Israeli) Prime Minister Netanyahu views the horrifying incident with utmost gravity and demands that the Dutch government and security forces take vigorous and swift action against the rioters, and ensure the safety of our citizens,» his office said on X.
In another post, the office added that Netanyahu, who described the incident as «antisemitic,» spoke with Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof and «emphasized the great importance of the Dutch government ensuring the wellbeing of all Israelis in the Netherlands, including those who were wounded and injured in the disturbances.»
Rescue planes have already departed for the Netherlands, according to the prime minister’s office. EFE
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