Dutch riot police had to intervene the following Thursday night numerous riots in the center of the Dutch capital, Amsterdam, when attacks were reported against supporters of the Israeli football club Maccabi Tel Aviv, which lost against Ajax at the Johan Cruijff Arena. Currently, five people are in hospital and 62 have been evacuated.
During tonight’s match between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv, Israeli supporters refused to hold a moment of silence for the victims of the Valencia floods. They even started illegal fireworks.
This comes after Spain canceled an arms deal with an Israeli company worth billions. pic.twitter.com/paZGAPO7uB
— Leyla Hamed (@leylahamed) November 7, 2024
Dutch TV network AT5 after suggesting that the riots may have been linked to clashes between pro-Palestinian youth and fans of the Israeli club. In fact, the Police tried to keep those shouting ‘Free Palestine’ out of the stadium.
Images of the riots have gone viral through social networks, from where Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett issued an “urgent call to action” to “avoid injuries and worse situations”. “What I see seems to endanger the lives of innocent people: innocent people run over, beaten, thrown into a river and much more,” he said.
⚡️BREAKING: The Maccabi Tel Aviv boys are now under attack in the Netherlands after ignoring the moment of silence for the victims of Valencia and singing racist chants about the expulsion of Arabs.
Dutch Moroccans are telling them this is not Israel. pic.twitter.com/LKJEkgHgLu
— Suppressed news. (@SuppressedNws) November 8, 2024
Subsequently, this has been reported by the office of the Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu “aware of the details of the serious incident of violence in Amsterdam against Israeli citizens” and ordered the dispatch of two rescue planes “immediately” to get them out of the country.
“The Prime Minister takes this terrible incident very seriously and demands that the Dutch Government and the Dutch security forces act with them firmness and speed against troublemakers and guarantee the peace of our citizens,” reads a statement.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar will go to Amsterdam for an “urgent diplomatic visit” after clashes on the sidelines of the soccer match between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv Thursday, his office announced. “In view of the serious developments, the Minister of Foreign Affairs Gideon Saar will leave soon for an urgent diplomatic visit to the Netherlands,” the Ministry said in a statement.
UEFA condemns “anti-Semitic” attacks against Maccabi fans
The European Union expressed this Friday that it condemns the “anti-Semitic” attacks registered in Amsterdam against Maccabi Tel Aviv fans after the European competition match against Ajax.
“Cut last night by violent attacks on Israeli citizens in Amsterdam last night”said the president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, in a message on social networks, who expressed her “strong condemnation” of these “anti-Semitic” attacks.
In this way, he declared that ”anti-Semitism has no place in Europe” and will fight decisively against “all forms of hatred” in European society. The attack takes place precisely when European members gather in Budapest to take part in the informal EU summit organized by Hungary, ie an event where several leaders discussed the issue with the Prime Minister of the Netherlands, Dick Schoof.
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Ajax Amsterdam
Interview between Time.news Editor and Violence and Conflict Expert
Time.news Editor: Thank you for joining us today. The recent riots in Amsterdam surrounding the Ajax vs. Maccabi Tel Aviv match have raised serious concerns. What do you think triggered this violence?
Expert: Thank you for having me. The clashes, as reported, seemed to stem from a combination of factors, predominantly the charged atmosphere surrounding the match and the refusal of some Israeli supporters to participate in a moment of silence for victims of recent tragedies in Spain. This disregard for a symbolic gesture of mourning can heighten tensions, especially when combined with the existing pro-Palestinian sentiments in the region.
Time.news Editor: There have been reports indicating that the police had to separate pro-Palestinian groups and the Israeli fans. How significant is the role of social identity and nationalist sentiments in such violence?
Expert: It’s crucial. Sports events often bring underlying social and political tensions to the forefront. The identities of fans as representatives of their nations or causes can exacerbate these situations. In this case, the pro-Palestinian chants and demonstrations against the Israeli supporters weren’t just about the game; they signified a larger conversation around ongoing tensions in the Middle East. This duality can ignite volatile reactions very quickly.
Time.news Editor: Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett described the situation as life-threatening, which underlines the urgency of the matter. How do you view the response of the Israeli government with the dispatch of rescue planes?
Expert: The response indicates a considerable level of concern for the safety of its citizens abroad, particularly in light of the current geopolitical climate. By prioritizing the extraction of their nationals, the Israeli government is indicating that they perceive this event not merely as isolated violence, but as a potential threat to their citizens’ safety that could escalate further. It’s a tactical move but also highlights the gravity of growing animosity.
Time.news Editor: And what ramifications could this incident have on Dutch-Israeli relations?
Expert: The aftermath could strain relations, especially if perception grows that the Dutch authorities were unable to protect Israeli citizens. The Dutch government will likely face challenges to balance public safety and civil freedoms, which are both crucial in democratic societies. If there’s a perception of inadequate protection or response, it could lead to diplomatic fallout or increased tensions between the two nations.
Time.news Editor: What should we expect moving forward in terms of potential unrest?
Expert: Given the current trajectory and justifiable outrage from both sides, additional unrest is certainly possible. It will be essential for both fan organizations and governmental authorities to engage in dialogue to prevent further violence and to establish mechanisms for peaceful protests that respect the sentiments of both parties. Proactive measures will be crucial in defusing tensions before future matches.
Time.news Editor: Thank you for your insights. It seems that the situation in Amsterdam transcends just football, reflecting broader geopolitical issues and the challenges of social cohesion in diverse urban settings.
Expert: Exactly. Events like this serve as a reminder that sports can act as a microcosm for larger societal issues. It’s essential that we understand the implications and navigate them with sensitivity and awareness to prevent similar occurrences in the future. Thank you for having me.
Time.news Editor: Thank you for your time. We’ll continue to follow this story as it develops and keep our readers informed.