Netanyahu sends rescue planes to Amsterdam after violence against Israeli football fans

Netanyahu sends rescue planes to Amsterdam after violence against Israeli football fans

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Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said he is sending two aircraft to the Netherlands to “rescue” football fans after pro-Palestinian protesters clashed with fans of a Tel Aviv club.

The extent of the violence on Thursday night remains unclear. Videos on social media showed at least one man being assaulted and crowds running through streets. Fans told Israeli media that they were confronted by young Arab men after the game between Ajax Amsterdam and Maccabi Tel Aviv.

The Israeli foreign ministry said at least 10 people were injured, and that it had lost contact with some of the Israelis visiting the Netherlands. Local police said 57 people had been held after the game, according to Reuters.

Netanyahu described the incident as “horrifying”.

“Have been following the news from Amsterdam and am horrified by the antisemitic attacks on Israeli citizens,” Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof wrote on X, adding that the perpetrators would be prosecuted.

This is a developing story