Outrage erupted following a “very violent incident” in Amsterdam that saw, on November 8, multiple Israeli citizens being targeted in Amsterdam.
Widely circulated clips on social media appear to show Israeli football fans being attacked in the city by a pro-Palestinian mob.
One appears to show a defenceless man being kicked as he curls up on the ground by at least two people, while another appears to portray a person being thrown in a river.
Israel initially said it would deploy a rescue mission to bring home his citizens. A statement issued by the Israeli Defence Force said: “The mission will be deployed using cargo aircraft and will include medical and rescue teams.” However, the Prime Minister’s office later said Israeli citizens would instead return home via civilian airlines. “The State of Israel is doing everything to ensure the safety and security of our citizens who were brutally attacked in the horrific antisemitic incident in Amsterdam,” the statement adds.
One outlet, N12, suggested seven Israelis are still missing following the night of violence and 20 were injured.
Benjamin Netanyahu‘s office reported that the Israeli Prime Minister had been briefed on the details of “a very violent incident” affecting Israeli citizens in the Dutch capital.
In a statement issued by his office, Mr Netanyahu views the “horrifying incident with utmost gravity” and called on the Dutch government and security forces to take “vigorous and swift action against the rioters.”
He spoke with Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof this morning, asking him for increased security for the Jewish community in the Netherlands, it has been revealed.
Israel‘s national security ministry has also advised its citizens in the city to remain in their hotels, according to the prime minister’s office.
The incident is believed to be linked to a football match at the Johan Cruyff Arena, where Ajax Amsterdam defeated Maccabi Tel Aviv 5-0, according to reports.
Israeli security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir posted on X, saying: “Fans who went to watch a football match faced anti-Semitism and were attacked with unimaginable cruelty simply due to their Jewish identity and Israeli nationality.”
Dutch Prime Minister Mr Schoof posted on X that he had “followed the news from Amsterdam with disgust.”
He added that he was in contact with Mr Netanyahu regarding the incident and stated that the city was now “calm”.
Local police reported that 57 people were detained after the match as pro-Palestine demonstrators attempted to reach the Johan Cruyff Arena, despite city authorities forbidding protests in the area.
Fans had left the stadium without incident, but clashes were reported in the city centre during the night, according to the police. There were no immediate reports of arrests or injuries from these clashes outside the football stadium.
Videos posted on social media appeared to show crowds running through the streets and a man being assaulted.
Israel‘s foreign minister, Gideon Saar, has requested the Dutch government’s assistance in helping Israeli citizens reach the airport safely. Saar made the request during a phone call with his Dutch counterpart, Caspar Veldkamp, today.
A press release issued by the official website of the municipality of Amsterdam said: “The night after the football match between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv was very turbulent with several violent incidents aimed at Maccabi supporters. In several places in the city, supporters were attacked, abused and pelted with fireworks.
“Riot police had to intervene several times, protect Israeli supporters and escort them to hotels. Despite the massive police presence in the city, Israeli supporters were injured. The extent of incidents, victims and arrests is now being mapped out.
“The Amsterdam triangle (mayor, police chief and chief public prosecutor) is in contact with, among others, the Dutch government, the Israeli embassy and the Jewish community in Amsterdam, which is very concerned about the situation.”
Phil Rosenberg, President of the Board of Deputies, said: “The horrifying scenes in Amsterdam last night, where Jewish and Israeli football fans attending the Ajax-Maccabi Tel Aviv game were attacked, should shock us all.
“Some have likened the situation there to a ‘pogrom’. On the basis of reports we have seen so far, it is hard to disagree.
“We want to see peace exported to the Middle East. Those who import violence instead must be met with the full force of the law.
“We will be speaking to UK police and Government over the coming hours and days to ensure there can be no repeat here in the UK. We will also be engaging with the Dutch Embassy to ensure that they understand the gravity of what has occurred.
“I have been in touch with Ruben Vis, CEO of the Dutch Jewish Community, to offer our full support.”