Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered the immediate dispatch of two rescue planes to Amsterdam after reports of a "very violent incident" involving Israeli citizens, his office
announced on Friday. The attacks were connected to a football match between Ajax Amsterdam and Maccabi Tel Aviv.
In response to the incident, Israel's national security ministry has advised Israeli citizens in Amsterdam to remain in their hotel rooms for safety. Israeli Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir stated on X that Israeli fans attending the game faced severe anti-Semitic attacks. He described the violence as acts of "unimaginable cruelty" targeting individuals solely because of their Jewish identity.
Dutch authorities reported detaining 57 people as pro-Palestinian demonstrators attempted to approach the Johan Cruyff Arena, despite a prohibition on protests in the vicinity. While officials noted that the fans left the stadium without incident, clashes erupted in the city center later that night.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that a rescue mission, including medical and rescue teams, would be deployed on cargo aircraft in coordination with the Dutch government. Social media videos depicted chaotic scenes of people running through the streets and an individual being assaulted.
The Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not yet commented on Israel’s statements. Tensions have been running high globally since the October 7, 2023, attack by the Palestinian militant group Hamas, which killed 1,200 Israelis and resulted in more than 250 hostages being taken, according to Israeli sources.
In response, Israel’s military campaign in Gaza has claimed the lives of at least 43,469 Palestinians and injured over 102,561, as reported by health officials in the enclave. The ongoing conflict has led to protests and violence in support of both sides across Europe and the United States, with Arabs and Jews being targeted in various incidents.
Geert Wilders, leader of the largest party in the Dutch government and known for his anti-Muslim stance, condemned the attacks in Amsterdam on X, calling them “totally unacceptable” and expressing shame that such violence could occur in the Netherlands.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar has reached out to the Dutch government, requesting assistance to ensure the safe transport of Israeli citizens to the airport. Saar discussed the matter with his Dutch counterpart, Caspar Veldkamp, in a phone call on Friday. Photo by Mister No, Wikimedia commons.