Newsroom
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered two rescue planes to Amsterdam following a violent incident targeting Israeli citizens, his office confirmed. The attacks, linked to a football match, prompted Israel’s national security ministry to advise its citizens in the Dutch city to remain in their hotel rooms.
“It was an act of unimaginable cruelty, driven by antisemitism, targeting fans simply because of their Jewish identity and their connection to Israel,” Israeli Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir wrote on X.
Local police reported 57 arrests after clashes broke out when pro-Palestine demonstrators attempted to protest near the Johan Cruyff stadium, despite a city ban. While fans left the stadium without incident, violent clashes were later reported in the city center.
The Israeli military said Friday it was preparing a rescue mission, coordinating with Dutch authorities, to airlift medical and rescue teams to assist citizens. The mission will be carried out with cargo aircraft.
Video footage circulating on social media showed crowds running through the streets and a man being attacked, though the authenticity of the videos has not been verified.
The match between Ajax Amsterdam and Maccabi Tel Aviv, which ended with a 5-0 victory for Ajax, was marred by the violence.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar spoke with his Dutch counterpart, Caspar Veldkamp, to ensure safe transport for Israeli citizens to the airport. Meanwhile, U.S. antisemitism envoy Deborah Lipstadt condemned the attacks, urging an investigation.
[Information sourced from The Guardian]
