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Israeli fans of Maccabi Tel Aviv were attacked by those who held ‘Free Palestine’ banner

Screengrabs from the visuals circulating in social media showing Maccabi Tel Aviv fans being attacked in Amsterdam | X

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly sending two rescue planes to Amsterdam after Israeli fans of soccer team Maccabi Tel Aviv were attacked by assailants during Europa League matches. The incident happened Thursday night after Maccabi Tel Aviv fans were leaving the stadium where the team unsuccessfully fought AFC Ajax.

As per reports, several Israelis were injured and the severity of their injuries are unclear. The Israeli government said they have not been able to contact their citizens and urged Israeli citizens not to leave their hotels. They have also been asked not to display in public any Israeli or Jewish symbols.

Two are said to be missing. Some of them reported that their passports were stolen.

Local media Kan 11 News quoted an unnamed Israeli who said the assailtants were waiting in groups at every corner to identify Jews.  “They started chasing Israeli fans. They also waited near hotels and casinos in larger groups. Some  drove by incars and did not stop honking near hotels in which Israelis are staying,” he added.

The report added that the police intervened only after 30-45 minutes into the attacks, after the attackers threw firecrackers at people and into buildings. “Prime Minister Netanyahu expressed shock at the incident, calling it “horrifying”. He added that he views the incident with utmost gravity and demands that the Dutch government and security forces take vigorous and swift action against the rioters.”

“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 Prime Minister’s Office said.

Danny Danon, the Israeli ambassador to the United Nations, called the incident a pogrom currently taking place in Europe in 2024. “These are the true faces of the supporters of the radical terrorism we are fighting. The western world needs to wake up now!!” he writes in a post on X.