Israel Criticizes Arrests Following Amsterdam Clashes
Israel's new Foreign Minister, Gideon Sa'ar, expressed dissatisfaction with the number of arrests made following violent clashes in Amsterdam last week, which occurred during a soccer match between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Ajax Amsterdam. Sa'ar described the arrests as "very small," despite Dutch police reporting approximately 60 arrests connected to the incident. The clashes resulted in injuries to 20 to 30 Maccabi Tel Aviv fans, who were attacked by groups responding to anti-Semitic calls spread on social media.
Sa'ar's comments came after Amsterdam's Mayor, Femke Halsema, informed him of the establishment of a special investigation team to probe the violence. The Israeli government has offered assistance in the investigation, underscoring the seriousness of the situation amid rising anti-Semitic sentiments in the Netherlands since the onset of the conflict in Gaza over a year ago. Halsema described the violence as an "explosion of anti-Semitism" and expressed her shame over the events, while Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp confirmed that a thorough investigation would be conducted.
The clashes erupted after some Israeli fans reportedly refused to observe a minute's silence for victims of recent flooding in Spain, a country that has recognized the state of Palestine. This act drew criticism and contributed to the tensions that led to violence. Videos circulated on social media showing Maccabi fans chanting anti-Palestinian slogans, further inflaming local sentiments and leading to confrontations with opposing fans.
