Violence in Amsterdam: Authorities: Injured after attacks on Israeli fans

Authorities say several people were injured in violent attacks on Israeli soccer fans in Amsterdam. How many people are involved is still being investigated, the city and police said in a joint statement. “In several places in the city, fans were besieged, mistreated and had fireworks thrown at them,” said Mayor Femke Halsema. She condemned this “anti-Semitic behavior.”

The city and the judiciary are investigating the incidents. The authorities are calling on all victims to contact the police and file a report.

According to Israeli witnesses, after a soccer match in the Europa League between Ajax Amsterdam and Maccabi Tel Aviv, pro-Palestinian youths attacked fans. The police initially spoke of small confrontations and were very reserved. According to the police, almost 60 people were temporarily arrested. The police said they had taken the Israelis to their hotels.

The violence sparked outraged reactions in Israel. Politicians spoke of a hunt for Jews. The Israeli government wanted to send two planes to pick up Maccabi supporters. Dutch politicians were also horrified. Prime Minister Dick Schoof condemned these “unacceptable anti-Semitic attacks on Israelis” on X. He has now spoken to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on the phone. He promised the country all support. .