Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered the immediate dispatch of two rescue planes to Amsterdam following reports of a ‘very violent incident’ involving Israeli citizens, according to his office on Friday. The incident, linked to attacks following a football game, has led Israel’s national security ministry to advise its citizens in the Dutch city to remain in their hotel rooms.
“Fans who went to watch a football game encountered anti-Semitism and were brutally attacked solely because of their Jewish and Israeli identities,” Israeli Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir posted on X.
Local police reported detaining 57 individuals after the match, as pro-Palestinian protesters attempted to approach the Johan Cruyff stadium, despite a city ban on demonstrations in the area. While fans reportedly exited the stadium without issues, multiple confrontations were reported in Amsterdam’s city centre later that night.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) announced plans to deploy a rescue mission, coordinated with Dutch authorities, involving cargo aircraft with medical and rescue personnel. The football game saw Ajax Amsterdam, a club traditionally associated with the Jewish community, defeat Maccabi Tel Aviv 5-0.
Footage circulating online shows crowds fleeing through the streets and a man being assaulted.
The Dutch foreign ministry has not yet responded to Israel’s statements.
Tensions have been high globally following the October 7 attack on Israel by Hamas, which killed 1,200 Israelis and led to over 250 hostages being taken. In response, Israel’s military operations in Gaza have resulted in at least 43,469 Palestinian deaths and 102,561 injuries, according to health officials in Gaza.
Protests supporting both Israelis and Palestinians have erupted in Europe and the U.S., with instances of violence targeting both communities. Anti-Muslim politician Geert Wilders, leader of the Netherlands’ largest political party, condemned the reported attacks, calling the situation “totally unacceptable” on X.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar has asked the Dutch government for assistance in ensuring safe passage for Israeli citizens to the airport, as he conveyed in a call to Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp on Friday.