Following a Europa League match between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Ajax in Amsterdam, Israeli fans were reportedly attacked by a mob on Thursday night, leaving at least 10 injured. The incidents occurred as fans departed the stadium, according to statements from Israeli officials.
In response, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered two planes to be sent to Amsterdam to assist and repatriate the Israeli citizens affected by the violence. Netanyahu also pressed Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof and local authorities to take immediate action against the perpetrators.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry reported that some fans remain uncontactable and advised Israeli citizens to stay in their hotels for safety. In light of the attacks, Israel’s National Security Council urged citizens not to display Israeli or Jewish symbols in public, reflecting heightened security concerns.
Graphic footage of the incidents circulated widely on social media, showing scenes of violence that Israel’s Ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, described as a “pogrom.” Danon further urged the Western world to take these incidents seriously, calling it evidence of “the radical terrorism we are fighting.”
Authorities in Amsterdam had boosted police presence ahead of the match, even intervening the night before to prevent clashes between groups of taxi drivers and visitors. Additionally, a Palestinian flag was reportedly removed by unknown individuals, adding to the tension. Some media reported that earlier actions by Israeli fans, including tearing down Palestinian flags, may have contributed to the volatile atmosphere leading to the Thursday night confrontations.
As of now, Dutch authorities have detained around 30 people, though details regarding those detained remain unclear.
