World
Netanyahu dispatches rescue planes as Israeli football fans attacked in Amsterdam
Israeli authorities have reported that fans of Israel’s Maccabi Tel Aviv football team were attacked in Amsterdam during a “serious incident of violence” on Thursday night, prompting the government to arrange rescue flights to evacuate affected citizens.
According to the Israeli embassy in the United States, hundreds of Maccabi Tel Aviv fans were “ambushed and attacked” after leaving the stadium following a Europa League match against Ajax. The embassy shared video footage on social media platform X, depicting what it described as violent attacks on the fans.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar confirmed that 10 Israeli citizens were injured in the attack. He advised those in Amsterdam to remain within their hotels for safety.
“The impression from the reports (are) that the situation is calming down in the last hour,” Sa’ar stated. He also requested assistance from Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp in ensuring the safe transport of Israelis from their hotels to the airport, according to Israel’s foreign ministry.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the incident a “serious” act of violence, announcing the “immediate release of two rescue planes” to aid Israeli citizens. He urged Dutch authorities to “act firmly and quickly against the rioters and ensure the peace of our citizens.”
Israel’s military stated that it would lead the evacuation, coordinating with Dutch authorities. “The IDF (Israel Defense Forces) is preparing to immediately deploy a rescue mission with the coordination of the Dutch government,” it said, noting that cargo aircraft carrying medical and rescue teams would be used.
On Friday morning, Israel’s foreign ministry reported that approximately 30 arrests had been made, though details about the timing and identities of those detained were not provided.
The Maccabi fans had traveled to Amsterdam for the Europa League game, which Ajax won with a 5-0 score. Amsterdam police had increased their presence in the city center on Wednesday night, citing “tensions” in multiple areas. They reported intervening in an altercation between taxi drivers and visiting fans near a casino and noted an incident involving the removal of a Palestinian flag in the city center.
Additionally, the police said a demonstration was planned near the stadium on Thursday ahead of the match between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv.