Dozens of people armed with sticks and firecrackers set a tram on fire in Amsterdam, creating tensions in the city following violence targeting fans of an Israeli soccer club. The police quickly extinguished the fire and riot officers cleared the square, but images online showed people damaging property and setting off firecrackers. It is unclear who started the unrest and whether it was related to the violence targeting fans last week. Five people were treated in the hospital and dozens were detained following a Maccabi Tel Aviv-Ajax match where youths had reportedly attacked Israeli fans before fleeing to evade the police.
Dutch police announced five new arrests in their investigation into the earlier violence, with the suspects being men aged 18 to 37 from Amsterdam or surrounding cities. Four of them remain in custody and the fifth has been released but remains a suspect. Four other men who were arrested last week – including two minors and two men from Amsterdam and a nearby city – will remain in custody as the investigation continues. Over 170 witnesses have been identified and forensic evidence has been collected from dozens of people. Prime Minister Dick Schoof stated that they are also examining videos posted on social media as part of their investigation.
Reports of antisemitic speech, vandalism, and violence have been on the rise in Europe since the start of the war in Gaza, leading to a tense atmosphere in Amsterdam ahead of the violent incidents targeting fans of an Israeli soccer club. Pro-Palestinian demonstrators were banned by local authorities from gathering outside the stadium, while Maccabi fans tore a Palestinian flag off a building and chanted anti-Arab slogans on their way to the stadium. There were also reports of Maccabi fans engaging in fights, leading the mayor to ban all demonstrations in the city and declare several parts of Amsterdam as risk zones where police can stop and check anyone. Dozens were detained for participating in a pro-Palestinian demonstration in central Amsterdam that had been banned.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar visited the Netherlands and offered Israel’s help in the police investigation. He met with the Dutch prime minister and stated that the attacks and demands to show passports were reminiscent of dark periods in history. The tensions in Amsterdam highlight the broader issue of rising antisemitism and violence in Europe following the conflict in Gaza, with both pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli groups engaging in confrontations. The incidents in Amsterdam have sparked concerns about safety and security, leading to increased police presence and crackdowns on public demonstrations in the city. The investigation into the violence targeting fans of the Israeli soccer club is ongoing, with multiple arrests made and evidence being collected to hold the perpetrators accountable for their actions.
Overall, the situation in Amsterdam reflects a complex and volatile environment where tensions between different groups are escalating, leading to outbreaks of violence and vandalism. The incidents highlight the need for authorities to address issues of hate speech, discrimination, and violence to ensure the safety and security of all residents and visitors in the city. The involvement of political leaders like the Dutch prime minister and Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar is an indication of the seriousness of the situation and the efforts being made to address the underlying causes of the violence. Moving forward, ongoing investigations and measures to prevent further incidents will be crucial in maintaining peace and stability in Amsterdam and addressing the root causes of violence and discrimination in the city.
