Israel Launches Rescue Mission
The Israeli military has announced it will deploy an emergency rescue mission in coordination with Dutch authorities in response to a “violent incident” involving Israeli citizens in Amsterdam.
According to the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF), the mission will utilize cargo aircraft and include a specialized team of medical and rescue personnel.
“The mission will be deployed using cargo aircraft and include medical and rescue teams,” IDF spokesperson said.
Sky News reports that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been informed of the details of “a very violent incident” involving Israeli citizens in Amsterdam, according to a statement from his office.
Violent clashes erupted between Maccabi Tel Aviv fans and pro-Palestinian protesters outside Ajax’s stadium in Amsterdam on Thursday night, despite a demonstration ban.
Amsterdam’s mayor had feared conflicts between the groups. Details are scarce, but Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was briefed on the “very violent incident” targeting Israeli citizens.
Israel’s government swiftly responded by directing two rescue planes to provide immediate assistance to its citizens. In a statement, the Prime Minister’s office urged Israeli citizens in Amsterdam to exercise caution and remain in their hotel rooms until further notice.
“Fans who went to see a football game, encountered anti-Semitism and were attacked with unimaginable cruelty just because of their Jewishness and Israeliness,” Israeli Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir said in a post on X.