ALBAWABA - After violent rioting broke out in Amsterdam due to anti-Arab shouts from supporters of the Maccabi Tel Aviv soccer club, Israel banned its troops from traveling to the Netherlands. Following a Europa League match against Ajax, Israeli supporters started hurling insults and ripping down Palestinian banners, which resulted in violent altercations and injuries.
10 Israelis injured in Amsterdam clashes with Pro-Palestinian supporters after football MatchAccording to the Israeli Broadcasting Authority, "all military officers are restricted from traveling to the Netherlands until further notice due to the current situation." This action follows reports of Maccabi supporters making offensive comments against Arabs, which led to riots and property destruction.
City officials in Amsterdam banned public meetings for three days. Mayor Femke Halsema expressed his disappointment at the unrest, pointing out that the match was not a high-risk event. Police recorded 10 injuries and made 62 arrests after the altercations.
Online footage shows Israeli supporters hurling Palestinian flags, yelling anti-Arab slurs, and apparently disregarding a minute of mourning for flood victims in Spain in favor of setting off fireworks.
The Dutch government should look into the matter and provide safety to Arabs and Palestinians, the Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, condemning the anti-Arab sentiments.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu denounced the assaults and urged Dutch authorities to "act swiftly" against those responsible, while Israel sent a plane to rescue supporters. Concern was also expressed by the UN, which emphasized that no one should be subjected to violence or prejudice because of their country, race, or religion.
