Dutch police reported that five people were hospitalized and 62 arrested after violent antisemitic attacks against Israeli fans in Amsterdam following a Europa League match between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Ajax, AP News reports.
The violence erupted despite a heavy police presence and a ban on a pro-Palestinian demonstration near the stadium, with rioters actively seeking out and assaulting Israeli supporters. Police had to intervene to protect and escort Israeli fans to their hotels after several incidents in various parts of the city.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the violence, calling for swift action against the perpetrators and increased security for the Jewish community in the Netherlands. Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof also condemned the attacks and promised to prosecute those responsible.
The incident has raised concerns about the security of upcoming games involving Israeli teams, heightened by the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. The European soccer body UEFA is set to review safety protocols for upcoming matches in Paris and Istanbul later this month.
