Israeli Government Responds to Amsterdam Football Riot with Emergency Measures
In a shocking turn of events, violent riots erupted on the sidelines of an away match involving an Israeli football club in Amsterdam. The unrest transpired during the Europa League game between Ajax Amsterdam and Maccabi Tel Aviv on Thursday evening, leading to urgent measures from the Israeli government to ensure the safety of its fans. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered the evacuation of supporters from the visiting team via two planes, according to reports from the Times of Israel and the news outlet Ynet.
In light of the chaos, Netanyahu has urged Dutch security forces to take firm action against those responsible for the violence and to protect Israeli fans amidst the turmoil. Following the match, disturbances were reported across various locations in the center of Amsterdam, though there has been no definitive clarification regarding the origins of the violence.
The situation escalated quickly, leading to the provisional arrests of 57 individuals on the evening of the unrest. Videos circulating on social media purportedly show disturbing scenes of violence, with several Israeli politicians describing the events as shocking. Allegations have surfaced regarding pro-Palestinian groups targeting Jewish fans; however, these claims remain unverified as the Dutch police continue to investigate.
Israeli UN Ambassador Danny Danon labeled the events as a pogrom happening in Europe in 2024, expressing deep concern over the safety of Jewish individuals abroad. Similarly, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar acknowledged the gravity of the incidents and stated that communications were opened with Dutch authorities to address the situation and protect those in distress.
The call for any Israeli or Jew facing difficulties in the Netherlands is clear: Reach out to the situation center for assistance. The escalating violence has raised alarms for the safety of fans and the broader Jewish community in Europe, forcing the Israeli government to act swiftly in the face of potential threats abroad.
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