Israel Sends 2 Rescue Planes To Amsterdam After 'Brutal Attack' On Citizens After Football Game
Five people have been hospitalised and 62 arrested in connection with the clashes that erupted in Amsterdam overnight following a football match.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has directed that two rescue planes be sent to Amsterdam after "a very violent incident" targeting football fans who were Israeli citizens, his office said on Friday. Israel's national security ministry has also urged its citizens to stay in their hotel rooms after attacks linked to a football game were reported.
Israeli Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, in a post on X, said: "Fans who simply went to watch a soccer game encountered antisemitism and were brutally attacked solely because of their Jewish and Israeli identity. I condemn any attempt to turn the victim into the one at fault."
He condemned the attack and said that he was in close contact with the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Minister of Defense, who, along with the Israel Police, were ensuring that the Israeli citizens were safely rescued, and to investigate "serious lynching incidents in the Netherlands".
"This is not only an attack on Jews and Israelis but also a warning sign for all European countries about the threat of radical Muslim violence. Those who turn a blind eye to Islamic terrorism in the Middle East will encounter it in their own homes in Europe and the West. Today, the victims were Israelis; tomorrow, it could be you, Europeans," he added.
Around 57 people had been arrested after the game as pro-Palestinian demonstrators attempted to reach the Johan Cruyff stadium, despite protests being forbidden in the city, news agency Reuters reported. On November 8, the number of people arrested as a result of the clashes increased to 62, AFP reported. Five people were hospitalised after being injured in the clashes.
Police stated that the football fans had left the stadium without incidents, but various clashes were reported in the city centre during the night.
The Israeli military is coordinating with the Dutch government to immediately deploy a rescue mission after the football game attack. It is being said that the violence flared after Ajax Amsterdam, which is traditionally known to be a Jewish club, defeated Maccabi Tel Aviv 5-0.
"The mission will be deployed using cargo aircraft and include medical and rescue teams," the IDF said.
Videos of the incident surfaced on social media, showing people running through the streets and a man being assaulted.
Some of the videos: pic.twitter.com/sd60kM1wIS
— Naftali Bennett נפתלי בנט (@naftalibennett) November 8, 2024
'Outburst Of Antisemitism'
Femke Halsema, the mayor of Amsterdam, described the incident as an "outburst" of antisemitism with "hit and run" attacks on the visiting supporters. "Men on scooters crisscrossed the city looking for Israeli football fans. It was a hit and run. I can easily understand that this brings back memories of pogroms," The Guardian quoted Halsema as saying.
"Our city has been deeply damaged. Jewish culture has been deeply threatened. This is an outburst of antisemitism that I hope to never see again," she added.
Leaders of both Israel and Netherlands condemned the attacks. A leading Jewish group stated that the Dutch capital should be "deeply ashamed".
The war in Gaza has triggered protests in support of both sides across Europe and the United States during which Arabs and Jews have been attacked.
Anti-Muslim politician and leader of the largest party in the Dutch government Geert Wilders condemned the reported Amsterdam attacks in a post on X. "Ashamed that this can happen in The Netherlands. Totally unacceptable," he said.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar has also urged the Dutch government to assist in the safe arrival of Israeli citizens at the airport, Reuters reported.
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