European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen condemned the attacks on fans of the Israeli football team football team "Maccabi" (Tel Aviv) in the center of Amsterdam and in the area around the "Johan Cruyff" stadium. during a Europa League match between "Ajax" and "Maccabi" (Tel Aviv), finished with a score of 5:0, reports Reuters, quoted by BTA.
"I am outraged by yesterday's heinous attacks against Israeli citizens in Amsterdam," Von der Leyen said in a post on the X social network, specifying that she had discussed what had happened with Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof. "I strongly condemn these unacceptable acts. Anti-Semitism has absolutely no place in Europe. We are determined to fight all forms of hatred," she added.
German Foreign Minister Analena Berbock also expressed her shock and disgust at the events in Amsterdam. "The footage from Amsterdam is appalling and deeply embarrassing for us in Europe," wrote Berbock in X. "The outbreak of such violence against Jews crosses all boundaries. There is no justification for this." She emphasized that Jews should be able to feel safe in Europe.
Israel's new foreign minister Gideon Saar is expected to visit the Netherlands later today amid violent clashes between Maccabi fans. and pro-Palestinian demonstrators, his office said, as quoted by DPA. Saar will meet with his Dutch counterpart as well as other high-ranking officials to discuss the importance of fighting anti-Semitism, and will also meet with members of the local Jewish community, the Israeli Foreign Ministry said.
Police in Amsterdam said five people were taken to hospital with injuries and 62 were arrested after the clashes that broke out in the city centre. Authorities are also investigating reports of alleged hostage-taking, as well as several cases of missing people following the attacks on supporters of the Israeli team. So far, however, this information has not been confirmed, notes Reuters.
The Dutch police reported that after the end of the match "Ajax" - "Maccabi" (Tel Aviv) there were several clashes in the city center. It is not yet clear where exactly the violence started, but chairs were thrown at away fans. According to Amsterdam TV channel AT5, Israelis have been arrested for disorderly conduct and illegal possession of fireworks. There are also reports of clashes between supporters of "Maccabi" and the police, DPA points out.
About two hundred pro-Palestinian demonstrators tried to reach the stadium, although their march was forbidden by the city authorities.