Violence erupts in Amsterdam as Israeli fans provoke, clash with locals

A wave of violence broke out in Amsterdam late Thursday following a match between Israeli soccer club Maccabi Tel Aviv and Ajax, as supporters of Maccabi Tel Aviv reportedly stormed the city, tearing down Palestinian flags from private properties and chanting inflammatory slogans.

The clashes, which occurred both before and after the match, have sparked widespread condemnation. Eyewitness reports and videos shared on social media show Maccabi fans vandalising property, attacking bystanders, and even setting a Palestinian flag on fire. Disturbingly, the footage also captures fans assaulting a local taxi driver and confronting law enforcement officers.

Max Blumenthal, editor of The Grayzone News, commented on the videos circulating online, saying: "There are numerous videos of Israeli soccer fans in Amsterdam vandalizing property, attacking cops and bystanders, and tearing down Palestinian flags. Now, this fascist group is playing the victim and waiting for airlifts back to their colonies."

Football journalist Leyla Hamed also corroborated Blumenthal’s account late Thursday, stating: "Hooligans from the Israeli club Maccabi Tel Aviv marched through Amsterdam, stealing Palestinian flags from homes and even setting one on fire."

In response to the violence, Israeli officials condemned the incidents, labeling them as "attacks on Israeli citizens." Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu took to social media, condemning the "very violent incident" and announcing the immediate dispatch of rescue planes to assist Israeli citizens in Amsterdam. Netanyahu further demanded that Dutch authorities "take swift and vigorous action against the rioters."

The Israeli Foreign Ministry confirmed that Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar would soon visit the Netherlands, where he is scheduled to meet with Dutch officials, including his counterpart Caspar Veldkamp. Sa’ar will also meet with Israeli citizens in Amsterdam and members of the Dutch Jewish community.

Amsterdam-based Het Parool reported that two individuals were arrested following skirmishes in Dam Square, though their identities remain undisclosed.

The Dutch authorities have designated several areas in the city as "risk zones," allowing police to conduct stop-and-search operations. Amsterdam's Mayor Femke Halsema acknowledged in a city council meeting that while there were no legal grounds to ban Maccabi fans from attending the match, the ongoing Gaza conflict had heightened tensions locally.

To prevent further violence, Halsema also banned a pro-Palestine protest planned near the Johan Cruijff Arena and urged Ajax fans to avoid confrontation. Authorities advised fans to arrive early for the 9 p.m. (2000GMT) match due to increased security checks.

Meanwhile, Amsterdam police confirmed that they had reinforced their presence in the city center due to rising tensions, intervening in multiple incidents, including a potential confrontation between taxi drivers and visitors.

They also reported that a Palestinian flag was torn down by unknown perpetrators on Wednesday night, and they had prepared for a planned protest near the stadium before Thursday’s game.

In a further update, the Israeli Foreign Ministry confirmed that 10 Israeli citizens had been injured in the unrest, advising others to stay in their hotels for safety. Authorities reported around 30 arrests, though details of the detainees remain unclear.