Israeli football fans attacked by anti-Semitic rioters who chased them through streets of Amsterdam in disturbing clash
BENJAMIN Netanyahu is scrambling two rescue planes to Amsterdam after Israeli football fans were ambushed and attacked.
Maccabi supporters were chased through the streets of the Dutch city by a mob of rioters as they left the Johan Cruyff stadium.
Shocking footage shared on social media showed Israeli football fans being kicked and beaten on Thursday night.
Disturbing videos on social media showed a crowd chasing Israelis through the streets on Thursday night after Ajax beat Maccabi 5-0 in the Europa League match.
Another distressing clip showed a man motionless on the ground as people repeatedly kicked him.
Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof on Friday branded the violence “unacceptable” and insisted those responsible would be prosecuted.
He said: “I followed the news from Amsterdam with horror.
“Completely unacceptable anti-Semitic attacks on Israelis. I am in close contact with all those involved.
“Just now in a call with Netanyahu emphasised that the perpetrators will be tracked down and prosecuted. It is now quiet in the capital.”
Israel’s national security ministry urged citizens to stay in their hotel rooms following the attacks.
At least three Israelis are still missing in the city, according to the foreign ministry.
Local police said 57 people had been arrested after the game as pro-Palestine rioters had tried to reach the stadium, even though the city had forbidden them to protest there.
The Israeli military said it is preparing to deploy a rescue mission with the coordination of the Dutch government after the football game.
“The mission will be deployed using cargo aircraft and include medical and rescue teams,” the IDF said.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has directed that two rescue planes be sent immediately to Amsterdam, his office said on Friday.
Israeli security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir said: “Fans who went to see a football game, encountered anti-Semitism and were attacked with unimaginable cruelty just because of their Jewishness and Israeliness.”
Police presence in Amsterdam had been ramped up this week ahead of two major football matches coinciding with Free Palestine demonstrations.
Tensions have been running high in the Middle East and abroad since Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023 – killing 1,200, taking more than 250 hostages and sparking a war in Gaza.