Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has sent two planes, Netanyahu’s office said on platform “X”.
The Prime Minister’s Office called the clashes in Amsterdam a terrible incident and demanded that the Dutch government and security services quickly and thoroughly investigate the incident and bring the rioters to justice and guarantee the safe return of Israeli citizens to their country.
Clashes broke out between Palestinian supporters and Dutch police in Amsterdam on Thursday before the Europa League soccer match between Ajax Amsterdam and Maccabi Tel Aviv.
The police reported that there was a tense situation in several places in Amsterdam before the football match. Unidentified persons tore the Palestinian flag from the facade of a building, and several hundred “Maccabi” fans gathered in one of Amsterdam’s squares, where tension prevailed, but later the atmosphere became calmer.
A rally by Palestinian supporters against the arrival of an Israeli soccer club in Amsterdam was originally planned to take place near the soccer stadium, but the city authorities gave the protesters another location due to security concerns. Clashes broke out when protesters tried to get to the stadium but were stopped by police.
Amsterdam TV channel AT5 reported that protesters threw chairs at Maccabi fans. Mobile police units protected the Israelis and escorted them to hotels.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry has announced that ten Israelis were injured, while the whereabouts of three Israeli citizens is unknown.
The police informed that 62 people were detained during the riots.
Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoff condemned the incident, saying on the “X” platform that he had followed the news from Amsterdam with horror. He emphasized that these were completely unacceptable anti-Semitic attacks on Israelis.
Shoff added that he had contacted Netanyahu and stressed that the rioters would be brought to justice.
Israeli President Yitzchak Herzog called the attack on Israeli football fans an anti-Semitic riot.
“This morning we are horrified to see the shocking images and videos that since [2023.gada] October 7 [palestīniešu grupējuma “Hamās” uzbrukuma Izraēlai] we hoped to never see again – an anti-Semitic riot, which is currently happening against Tel Aviv “Maccabi” fans and Israeli citizens in the very center of Amsterdam, the Netherlands,” Herzog wrote on the “X” platform.
In connection with the incident, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar will go to the Netherlands, the Israeli Foreign Ministry announced.
Interview between Time.news Editor and Middle East Conflict Expert
Time.news Editor: Thank you for joining us today. The recent clashes in Amsterdam connected to the Europa League match between Ajax Amsterdam and Maccabi Tel Aviv have drawn international attention. Can you give us a brief overview of what happened?
Expert: Certainly. The situation escalated on Thursday just before the match. Tensions flared between Dutch police and Palestinian supporters who had planned a rally against the Israeli soccer team’s presence in Amsterdam. Initially, the protesters were directed to a separate location away from the stadium, but when they attempted to reach the venue, clashes broke out, leading to significant unrest.
Time.news Editor: The Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded by sending two planes to bring Israeli citizens home. What does that signal regarding the government’s stance on the safety of its citizens abroad?
Expert: Netanyahu’s swift response underscores the government’s priority on citizen safety, especially in sensitive situations like this. It reflects a broader concern about increasing anti-Israeli sentiment during international events. By mobilizing resources to protect and repatriate Israelis, the government is making a clear statement that it takes these incidents seriously.
Time.news Editor: The clashes included incidents of violence, with protesters reported to have thrown chairs at Maccabi fans. In your view, how can authorities better manage such volatile atmospheres during international sporting events?
Expert: This is indeed a complex challenge. Authorities must balance the right to protest with the need to maintain public order. Better coordination between local law enforcement, event organizers, and community leaders can help. Clear communication can also minimize misunderstandings, as was the case in Amsterdam, where the location of protests was changed due to security concerns.
Time.news Editor: The Israeli Foreign Ministry mentioned that ten Israelis were injured, with a few still unaccounted for. How might this impact future international relations and sporting events involving Israeli teams?
Expert: Incidents like this can have long-lasting implications. They often exacerbate existing tensions and may deter Israeli teams from participating in international events. Furthermore, the safety of Israeli citizens abroad becomes a focal point of diplomatic discourse, impacting not just sports, but broader bilateral relationships.
Time.news Editor: The Prime Minister’s office demanded a thorough investigation by the Dutch government. What role do you think international law plays in ensuring accountability during incidents like these?
Expert: International law sets standards for the protection of individuals during protests, including the rights of both protesters and those who may be targeted due to their nationality. Upholding these laws is crucial for accountability. Investigations must be transparent to reassure all parties involved that justice will be served, which is essential in maintaining international confidence in the host country’s ability to manage such events.
Time.news Editor: Thank you for your insights. As tensions remain high, how can communities work towards understanding and reducing animosity between conflicting groups?
Expert: Dialogue and mutual understanding are key. Community outreach programs that foster communication between different cultural groups can help break down stereotypes and encourage peaceful coexistence. Events that emphasize shared values, rather than differences, can create a more inclusive atmosphere and, ultimately, promote peace.
Time.news Editor: Thank you for your time and expertise on this critical issue. It’s a complex situation that certainly warrants ongoing attention.
Expert: Thank you for having me. It’s essential to keep these conversations alive as we navigate these challenging waters.