Israel deploys rescue mission for Maccabi Tel Aviv hooligans in Amsterdam
Supporters of Maccabi Tel Aviv hold flags at Dam square ahead of the Europa League football match between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv, in Amsterdam on November 7, 2024. (AFP Photo)
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the deployment of rescue planes to the Netherlands on Friday following reports of violence involving Israeli football hooligans clashing with locals in Amsterdam. The clashes occurred during a Europa League match between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Ajax.
Violence reported during Europa League match
Dutch media outlet AT5 reported clashes and vandalism on Thursday night involving Maccabi Tel Aviv and Ajax fans in central Amsterdam. Amsterdam police confirmed the presence of additional reinforcements, citing heightened security due to recent incidents, including the removal of a Palestinian flag from a building.
The Israeli embassy in the U.S. shared on social media that “hundreds” of Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters were “ambushed” as they left the stadium. Meanwhile, Dutch police detained 57 individuals following the violent encounters, according to a statement made to the ANP news agency.
According to Israeli authorities, 10 of its nationals were injured in the violent confrontations that took place as Maccabi supporters left the stadium. However, social media accounts from Dutch locals paint a different picture, accusing the Israeli fans of provoking the violence.
Videos circulating on social media, some shared by the Israeli embassy to the United States on platform X, show chaotic scenes purportedly involving attacks on Maccabi supporters.
Eyewitnesses and local residents accuse the Maccabi hooligans of instigating the violence, alleging they had earlier torn down a Palestinian flag in Amsterdam’s center and hurled racist chants during the game.
Netanyahu calls for Dutch action
Netanyahu urged the Dutch government to take immediate measures against the attackers and ensure the safety of Israeli citizens. His office issued a statement emphasizing the severity of the incident but did not specify what initially caused the violence.
“Prime Minister Netanyahu views the horrifying incident with utmost gravity and demands that the Dutch government and security forces take vigorous and swift action against the rioters, and ensure the safety of our citizens,” his office said in a statement.
Israeli government response
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar requested the Dutch government’s help to safely escort Israeli citizens from their hotels to the airport.
“We deal with the authorities in the Netherlands in serious incidents there. Any Israeli or Jew who is currently in distress or has information and location about a violent event that is currently taking place.” Gideon Saar said.
The Israeli army announced plans to send rescue teams and medical staff, coordinating the effort with the Dutch authorities.
“Following the severe incidents of violence against Israelis in Amsterdam, under the guidance of the political echelon and following the assessment of the situation, the IDF immediately prepared to send out a rescue mission in coordination with the Dutch government. The delegation will leave in transport planes and will include medical and rescue teams,” the Israeli army said in a statement.
Flights and safety measures
The Israeli Transportation Ministry instructed carriers El Al and Israir to add three additional flights to Amsterdam to facilitate the return of Israeli citizens. Regularly scheduled flights will continue as planned.
The Israeli National Security Council urged Israelis in Amsterdam to remain sheltered in their hotels and advised against displaying any visible Jewish or Israeli symbols.
Political reactions in Netherlands
Dutch far-right politician Geert Wilders criticized the attacks, describing them as a “Jew hunt” in the streets of Amsterdam.
Wilders called for the immediate arrest and deportation of the attackers, holding the authorities responsible for failing to protect Israeli citizens.
“A pogrom in the streets of Amsterdam. We have become the Gaza of Europe. Muslims with Palestinian flags hunting down Jews. I will NOT accept that. NEVER. The authorities will be held accountable for their failure to protect the Israeli citizens. Never again.” Dutch far-right politician Geert Wilders said.
Israel plane to collect fans after Amsterdam football clashes
An Israeli plane on a mission to bring home football fans from Amsterdam after clashes in the Dutch city took off from Ben Gurion airport on Friday, the Israel Airports Authority said, according to AFP.
The plane, the first of two, would collect fans after the clashes that followed a Europa League match between Dutch club Ajax and Israel’s Maccabi Tel Aviv, authority spokesperson Liza Dvir told AFP.
Israeli transport minister, Miri Regev’s office said in a statement she had spoken to her Dutch counterpart about “the aerial rescue operation of Israeli citizens from Amsterdam”.
Regev asked Dutch transport minister, Barry Madlener, to give the planes permission to use Amsterdam’s Schiphol airport to “rescue the Israelis”. Regev also requested “safe transportation” for the evacuated Israelis from hotels to the airport.
The statement said the Dutch minister “expressed his sorrow for this ugly case” and that his government was working to ensure the safety of Israeli passengers, reports AFP.
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