Israel Sends Two Planes To Evacuate Fans From Amsterdam

Israel has sent two planes to evacuate its citizens from Amsterdam after attack on them by reported pro-Palestinian demonstrators before Ajax versus Maccabi Tel Aviv Europa Cup match.

Though Ajax won the match 5-0, videos of the violent clash between pro-Palestinains and Israel fans, on Thursday evening, received condemnation from the Israeli government.

According to Amsterdam TV station AT5, pro-Palestine demonstrators threw chairs at Maccabi fans. Around 60 people were detained, while 5 people are receiving treatment in hospital.

Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, on his X handle, on Friday, condemned the attacks while calling on the Netherlands government to take decisive action.

“The Prime Minister has directed that two rescue planes be sent immediately to assist our citizens.

“The harsh pictures of the assault on our citizens in Amsterdam will not be overlooked,” the Israeli Prime Minister’s office posted on X on Friday morning.

Israel’s President, Isaac Herzog, also condemned the attack on fans. On his X handle, Herzog described the attack as horror.

“We see with horror this morning, the shocking images and videos that since October 7th, we had hoped never to see again: an antisemitic pogrom currently taking place against Maccabi Tel Aviv fans and Israeli citizens in the heart of Amsterdam, Netherlands.

“This is a serious incident, a warning sign for any country that wishes to uphold the values of freedom. I give my full support to the cooperation now taking place between the governments, and trust that the authorities in the Netherlands will act immediately and take all necessary measures to protect, locate, and rescue all Israelis and Jews under attack, and to eradicate the violence against Jewish and Israeli citizens by all required means,” he wrote.

A statement from the Office of the President of Israel, on Friday afternoon, stated that Herzog had spoken with King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands

It read, “The President noted that last night’s events echoed dark and grim times for the Jewish people and must be unequivocally condemned. He urged that every possible measure be taken on the streets of Amsterdam to halt this terrible wave of antisemitic hatred.

“The President emphasized this expectation and demand that the Dutch authorities would do everything possible to ensure the safety of Jews and Israelis in the country. He further called for the immediate evacuation of all Israelis wishing to return, including several who remain unaccounted for.

“The King of the Netherlands strongly condemned and expressed deep horror and shock over the criminal acts committed. The King told the President, “We failed the Jewish community of the Netherlands during World War II, and last night we failed again.” He conveyed profound outrage and promised that his government would do everything possible to ensure the safety of visitors and facilitate their safe return to Israel.

“Earlier this morning, Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof updated the President on all actions being taken, and added his strong condemnation of the incidents. He committed that his government was doing everything possible to protect Israelis and ensure their safe return home.”