Israeli and Dutch leaders condemned attacks on Maccabi Tel-Aviv fans in Amsterdam following a Europa League match against Ajax on Thursday night. The clashes resulted in 57 arrests, according to Dutch police.
The Israeli embassy in the United States reported that “hundreds” of Maccabi fans were ambushed as they exited the stadium. Social media videos, which remain unverified, showed scenes of violence against the fans.
Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof called the attacks “completely unacceptable” and assured Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the perpetrators would be prosecuted.
Netanyahu responded by ordering rescue planes to evacuate Israeli citizens from Amsterdam, emphasizing the need for heightened security for the Jewish community in the Netherlands. He described the incident as a “premeditated anti-Semitic attack.”
Local media reported that fights and vandalism broke out in the city center around midnight, with a strong police presence required to restore order.
Dutch authorities confirmed that pro-Palestinian demonstrators attempted to reach the stadium despite a ban on protests in the area.
The violence follows rising global tensions amid Israel’s ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon, which have sparked increased anti-Semitic incidents.
Israel’s President Isaac Herzog urged the Dutch government to ensure the safety of Israelis and the Jewish community in Amsterdam.
Israeli authorities advised their citizens to stay indoors and avoid displaying Israeli symbols, as they coordinated a rescue mission involving cargo aircraft and medical teams to transport affected individuals home.
