In Amsterdam on Wednesday, police detained pro-Palestinian protesters defying a recent ban on demonstrations following violence linked to a football match between Ajax and Israel’s Maccabi Tel Aviv. Protesters holding Palestinian flags gathered in central Amsterdam, chanting “Amsterdam says no to genocide” and “Free Palestine.”
Police Enforce Ban on Demonstrations
Equipped in riot gear, police encircled and detained the group, transporting them by bus. The Dutch capital has granted police extra stop-and-search powers in response to escalating unrest, with hundreds of arrests or detentions carried out since clashes began last week under emergency measures in place until Thursday.
Protester Max van den Berg, 32, called for the Netherlands to end its support for Israel, stating, “We say: Free Palestine. Stop killing innocent people. Stop killing children.”
Background of the Unrest
Violence broke out following the match, with incidents involving both Israeli supporters and pro-Palestinian groups. Maccabi fans reportedly attacked a taxi, burned a Palestinian flag, and were later confronted by anti-Israel groups on scooters. Five people received hospital treatment, and police have since escorted Maccabi supporters to secure locations.
Both Israeli and Dutch politicians have condemned the violence as antisemitic, highlighting the historical trauma of World War II-era persecution of Jews. However, pro-Palestinian groups contend that they were responding to provocations by Maccabi supporters, which allegedly included anti-Arab chants.
Rising Antisemitism Amid Gaza Conflict
The Netherlands has seen a rise in antisemitic incidents since the Gaza conflict intensified in October last year. Amsterdam, where less than 1% of the population is Jewish but around 15% are Muslim—primarily of North African and Middle Eastern descent—has been particularly affected.
The unrest has spread to neighborhoods like West Amsterdam, where many Moroccan-Dutch residents have shown support for Palestinians in Gaza. Additional arrests were made there following further demonstrations and rioting on Monday night.
Ongoing Investigations and Arrests
Authorities have detained 62 suspects in relation to recent incidents, with four suspects—among them 10 Israelis—remaining in custody. Investigations continue as police work to identify additional suspects involved in the violence.
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