At least 62 people were arrested and 5 were injured this morning in Amsterdam after several clashes between anti-war protesters in Gaza and Israeli fans who came to the Dutch capital for a match against Ajax.
Police in the Netherlands are collecting verified information that can be shared about what happened before, during and after the match between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv FC last night in Amsterdam, and will provide more details at a press conference at midday.
Amsterdam police arrested more than a dozen people for rioting and disorderly conduct before the match, when several hundred Maccabi fans gathered on Dam Square. Initially there was a tense atmosphere, but it calmed down over time .
Clash between protesters and Israeli fans
A demonstration authorized by the city council against the Israeli war in Gaza was held in a city square, one kilometer from the Johan Cruijff Arena.
Amsterdam police could not confirm the identity, nationality or affiliation of those arrested.
Several unverified images and videos have been circulating on social media, but it is unclear where they were taken and Dutch police are not confirming their veracity.
The Israeli Government described the incident as “very violent” and stated that Israeli fans were “ambushed and attacked” in Amsterdam after the Europa League match against Ajax, which ended 5-0 in favor of the Dutch team, and even announced the sending of two “rescue” planes for Maccabi followers.
Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof condemned the events that occurred last night in Amsterdam and said he was “horrified by the anti-Semitic attacks against Israeli citizens”, something he considered “completely unacceptable”.
(EFE)
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**Interview with Dutch Security Analyst, Hans de Vries, on the Recent Clashes in Amsterdam**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Hans. We’re delving into the recent unrest in Amsterdam linked to the protests and the football match between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv. Can you give us an overview of what happened?
**Hans de Vries:** Certainly. Early this morning, tensions escalated dramatically in Amsterdam. We saw clashes between anti-war protesters advocating for Gaza and Israeli football fans in the city for the match. According to initial reports, at least 62 people were arrested, and five individuals sustained injuries during these altercations.
**Interviewer:** It appears that the protests were pre-planned, yet they coincided with the football match. How significant do you think the timing was?
**Hans de Vries:** The timing of these protests plays a critical role in the intensity of the situation. The demonstration was authorized and positioned fairly close to the Johan Cruijff Arena, where the match was taking place. This just intensified the emotions, as many fans from Maccabi Tel Aviv were present. Such overlapping events can often lead to volatile situations, particularly when they center around deeply polarizing issues like the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
**Interviewer:** The Israeli government mentioned that their fans were “ambushed.” Do you believe there was a clear intent to escalate violence on either side?
**Hans de Vries:** While it’s challenging to ascertain the intent without comprehensive investigations, the language used by the Israeli government suggests they view the encounter as a targeted aggression. However, it’s essential to recognize that these situations can often spiral out of control quickly, driven by heightened emotions on both sides. The police are currently collecting verified information, which is crucial for understanding the actual sequence of events and the motivations behind the clashes.
**Interviewer:** What measures do you think the police will take moving forward to address such disturbances in the future?
**Hans de Vries:** The Amsterdam police are likely to increase their preparedness for large gatherings, especially in light of this incident. Enhanced communication and coordination between law enforcement and organizers of protests or large events will be paramount. Additionally, monitoring social media for potential unrest will also be critical in preventing future violence.
**Interviewer:** The Dutch Prime Minister has condemned the violence and highlighted concerns of anti-Semitism. What impact do you think such statements have on public sentiment?
**Hans de Vries:** Prime Minister Schoof’s condemnation plays a crucial role in shaping public discourse. Such statements can serve to reassure affected communities and encourage dialogue, but they can also exacerbate tensions if not followed by actionable measures. The long-term impact on public sentiment will depend heavily on how the government and local authorities respond to both community concerns and the need for security.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Hans, for your insights. It’s a complex situation, and we appreciate you sharing your expertise.
**Hans de Vries:** My pleasure. Let’s hope for a de-escalation of tensions moving forward.