Israeli soccer fans attacked in Amsterdam

After what officials described as antisemitic attacks on Israeli soccer fans overnight in Amsterdam, Israel was sending commercial planes to the Netherlands to bring them home.

Videos on social media showed riot police intervening in clashes, with some attackers shouting anti-Israel slurs.

Mayor of Amsterdam Femke Halsema says she is furious and described Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters being attacked by "antisemitic hit-and-run squads,", who evaded police across the city.

"I understand very well that this brings back memories of violent riots, and that for this to happen in Amsterdam, is unbearable and indigestible. Last night, not only people were injured. Our history, the history of our city, has been deeply damaged. Our Jewish life, our Jewish culture, is under threat, and these are an indispensable and inalienable part of our city."

These fans saw the attacks unfold in Dam Square. Police said 62 suspects were detained after the game as pro-Palestinian demonstrators tried to reach the Johan Cruyff Arena, even though the city had forbidden a protest there.

Many set off flares and chanted in the streets. Some fans were heard singing "Let the IDF win" and directing swear words at Arabs.

Demonstrations have now been banned and police have been given emergency stop-and-search powers in response to the unrest.

Security measures were already increased in the capital as hundreds gathered to remember Kristallnacht, the Nazi pogrom against Jews across Germany in November 1938.

Antisemitic incidents have surged in the Netherlands since Israel launched its assault on Gaza after the attacks on Israel by the Palestinian Hamas group on Oct. 7, 2023.

Many Jewish organizations and schools have reported threats and hate mail. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said the order to send planes was taken after "a very violent incident" targeting Israeli citizens.