Violence erupted late Thursday in Amsterdam as supporters of the Israeli soccer membership Maccabi Tel Aviv reportedly stormed the town, tearing down Palestinian flags on non-public property and chanting provocative slogans earlier than and after their match in opposition to Ajax.
The incidents sparked widespread outrage, with Israeli followers clashing with bystanders, vandalizing property and setting a Palestinian flag on hearth.
Social media movies present Maccabi followers not solely damaging non-public property but in addition assaulting an area taxi driver and confronting legislation enforcement officers.
Max Blumenthal, editor of The Grayzone News, commented on the footage circulating on-line, stating:
“Many videos going around of Israeli football goons vandalizing property in Amsterdam, attacking cops and bystanders and ripping down Palestinian flags. Now this fascist infestation is playing the victim and waiting for airlifts back to the colonies.”
Football journalist Leyla Hamed corroborated Blumenthal’s account late Thursday:
“Hooligans from the Israeli club Maccabi Tel Aviv marched through the streets of Amsterdam… They stole Palestinian flags from homes and even set a Palestinian flag on fire.”
Following these occasions, Israeli officers condemned the incidents as “violence against Israeli citizens.”
In a publish on X, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned what he described as a “very violent incident against Israeli citizens in Amsterdam.”
He introduced the dispatch of rescue planes to help Israeli residents within the metropolis, asserting that the “harsh pictures of the assault on our citizens in Amsterdam will not be overlooked.”
Netanyahu referred to as on the Dutch authorities to take “vigorous and swift action against the rioters” and make sure the security of Israeli residents.
Amsterdam-based day by day newspaper Het Parool reported Thursday that two folks have been arrested following skirmishes in Dam Square, although the identities of these detained weren’t disclosed.
Several central areas have been designated as “risk zones,” permitting police to conduct stop-and-search operations, based on Dutch News.
Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema emphasised in a metropolis council assembly that whereas there have been no authorized grounds to ban Maccabi followers from the sport, the continuing Gaza battle had heightened native tensions.
Halsema additionally banned a close-by pro-Palestine protest close to the Johan Cruijff Arena to mitigate potential clashes and urged Ajax followers to keep away from confrontation. Police suggested followers to reach early for the 9 p.m. (8 p.m. GMT) kickoff resulting from elevated safety checks.
Meanwhile, Amsterdam police confirmed Wednesday they’d boosted their presence within the metropolis heart resulting from “tensions” in a number of areas, intervening in a number of incidents, together with a possible confrontation between taxi drivers and guests.
Authorities famous {that a} Palestinian flag was torn down by unknown perpetrators on Wednesday night time. Police additionally ready for a deliberate protest close to the stadium on Thursday earlier than the match.
Source: www.dailysabah.com