Dutch PM Condemns Violence Against Israeli Football Fans as ‘Unacceptable’

Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof has condemned the recent violence directed at Israeli citizens in Amsterdam, calling it “unacceptable.” The unrest occurred around a Europa League soccer match between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv, during which Dutch police detained 57 individuals.

“I followed the news from Amsterdam with disgust,” Schoof posted on X, noting he had been in contact with Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu about the incident. Following the events, Israel dispatched two planes to assist its citizens in leaving the Netherlands.

Netanyahu expressed grave concern over the incident and called on Dutch authorities to take swift action to protect Israeli citizens. Dutch media outlet AT5 reported that the violence involved clashes and vandalism in Amsterdam’s city center.

The Israeli embassy in the U.S. stated that “hundreds” of Maccabi fans were attacked while leaving the stadium, attributing the incident to a “mob targeting innocent Israelis.” In response, Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Saar requested that Dutch authorities ensure safe passage for Israeli citizens from their hotels to the airport.

To maintain security, Amsterdam police had increased vigilance due to recent tensions, including the removal of a Palestinian flag from a building. A planned pro-Palestinian rally, initially set near the stadium, was relocated by the city council for security reasons.