Israeli soccer fans attack in Amsterdam, officials say

Dutch police have arrested 57 people in central Amsterdam after clashes broke out, allegedly involving young locals and Israeli football supporters.

Prime Minister Dick Schoof condemned “anti-Semitic attacks” and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said two “rescue planes” were sent to Amsterdam after what Israel’s military described as “serious and violent incidents against Israelis”.

A police spokeswoman told Dutch media that the unrest had broken out around Dam Square in the heart of the capital, but did not say who was involved.

Supporters of the Israeli club Maccabi Tel Aviv had traveled to Amsterdam for a European Cup match against Ajax.

Schoof said he had followed the development with horror, adding that he had spoken to Netanyahu and stressed that “the perpetrators will be tracked down and brought to justice”.

There had already been arrests and trouble in Dam Square ahead of the match involving Maccabi fans and pro-Palestinian protesters, and there were reports of supporters setting off fireworks and tearing down a Palestinian flag on a nearby street.

But unrest grew after the match. Police said it was unclear who had taken part in the unrest and told local media that those involved were wearing dark clothing.

Several videos circulated on social media, one showing a man being kicked and beaten to the ground and another showing someone being run over. In some videos, people could be heard shouting pro-Palestinian slogans, although the footage has not been verified by the BBC.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog spoke of a “pogrom” against Maccabi fans and Israeli citizens. Dutch anti-Islam politician Geert Wilders, who leads the largest party in parliament, also spoke of a pogrom, saying “the authorities will be held accountable for their failure to protect the Israeli citizens”.

Amsterdam mayor Femke Halsema had earlier tried to prevent trouble by moving pro-Palestinian protesters away from the Johan Cruyff Arena. But Dutch reports said a large group had then tried to go to the stadium, only to be stopped by riot police.

Herzog said on X that he trusted the Dutch authorities to act immediately to “protect, locate and rescue all Israelis and Jews under attack”.