In a dramatic turn of events, Israel has sent two rescue planes to the Netherlands after its football fans were attacked in Amsterdam.
The attacks occurred on Thursday night following a Europa League match between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Ajax, leaving several Israeli fans injured.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu swiftly reacted to the violence, ordering the planes to evacuate the affected citizens.
“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.
The statement did not specify the exact cause of the violence, but Dutch media reported that clashes erupted between football fans in the city center.
AT5, a Dutch news outlet, described the scene as chaotic, with numerous fights and acts of vandalism taking place throughout the night.
“A large number of mobile unit vehicles are present and reinforcements have also been called in,” the report added.
Images and videos shared by local media showed large groups of fans being escorted by Dutch police, who arrived in force to maintain order.
The Israeli embassy in the United States provided further details, saying that hundreds of Maccabi fans were “ambushed and attacked” as they left the stadium.
In a post on the social media platform X, the embassy condemned the incident, calling it an assault by a “mob who targeted innocent Israelis.”
The situation quickly escalated as tensions soared in the wake of the violence, leading to the arrest of 57 individuals.
A Dutch police spokesperson confirmed the arrests, which occurred after officers responded to the disturbance in the heart of Amsterdam.
In addition to the violent clashes, the city had seen a surge of unrest related to the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict.
On Thursday, police had heightened their vigilance in the city following several incidents, including the removal of a Palestinian flag from a building.
Reports indicate that a pro-Palestinian rally was initially planned near the stadium but was relocated by the Amsterdam city council for security reasons.
The violent attacks on Israeli fans cast a shadow over the sporting event, turning a night of football into a scene of chaos.
Israel’s new Foreign Minister, Gideon Saar, condemned the attack and requested the Dutch government’s immediate assistance to ensure the safe exit of Israeli citizens from their hotels.
He also called for stronger measures to protect the fans, including their safe transport to the airport.
“We must ensure that all Israeli citizens in Amsterdam are safe and able to return home without further threat,” Saar said in his statement.
To further ease the situation, Dutch police were seen escorting Maccabi fans back to their hotels, ensuring their safety as they made their way through the city.
The attack on the Israeli football fans has raised serious concerns over the safety of international tourists, particularly those with ties to the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict.
Both the Israeli government and local Dutch authorities have vowed to investigate the violence thoroughly, and the Dutch government has promised to take firm action against the rioters.
As the investigation continues, there are growing calls for increased security at international sporting events to prevent future incidents.
The escalating violence in Amsterdam has sparked a renewed debate on the impact of political tensions on public safety.
Many have pointed out that the hostility between groups with opposing views on the Israel-Palestine conflict has now spilled over into public spaces, even affecting events meant for entertainment.
In response to the violence, the Dutch government has urged calm, stressing that they are doing everything possible to address the situation.
“The safety of all individuals, including football fans, is our top priority,” said a spokesperson for the Dutch government.
This violent incident is just the latest in a series of clashes that have erupted across Europe, fueled by ongoing political tensions.
The Netherlands, known for its tolerant and diverse society, now faces an uphill battle to restore peace in the wake of Thursday’s violence.
