ALBAWABA - At least ten Israeli supporters were injured in violent altercations that broke out in Amsterdam during a European League game between Ajax Amsterdam and Maccabi Tel Aviv, which finished with Ajax winning 5-0. Following what they called "incidents of violence" in the Dutch capital, the Israeli Foreign Ministry said it has severed ties with two more Israeli citizens.
Palestinian media said that the riots started when some Israeli fans reportedly tore a Palestinian flag, which led to conflicts with pro-Palestinian supporters.
The Israeli army responded to the crisis by announcing that it would send a team to the Netherlands to help evacuate Israelis who had been impacted by the violence. Rescue and medical professionals will be part of the operation, which is scheduled to arrive aboard a cargo jet. While the Foreign Ministry said the situation in Amsterdam is progressively normalizing, the Israeli National Security Council has encouraged Israelis there to stay in their hotel rooms and avoid public areas.
Gideon Sa'ar, the foreign minister, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu were informed on the event. Regarding the incidents, which he called a "attack on Israelis," Sa'ar acknowledged that Israel is in contact with Dutch authorities. Netanyahu has urged the Dutch government to take immediate action to protect Israeli people in the Netherlands and has ordered two aircraft to be flown to Amsterdam to help evacuate Israeli supporters.
After seeing increased tensions in many locations, Amsterdam police reacted by sending more troops into the city.
The episode serves as a reminder of the wider geopolitical tensions that may periodically spill into international contexts, with sporting events serving as flashpoints for these conflicts.
