Amsterdam Soccer Match Sparks Anti-Israel Protests

In Amsterdam, anti-Israel protests erupted following the violent assault of Maccabi Tel Aviv soccer fans by groups shouting antisemitic slurs, prompting police to enforce a demonstration ban and detain dozens of protesters. The unrest, linked to the Europa League match against Ajax, involved organized attacks on Israeli fans, leading to hospitalizations and arrests. In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dispatched planes to evacuate citizens, while Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof condemned the antisemitic nature of the attacks. Meanwhile, in Paris, heightened security measures are being implemented for an upcoming soccer match involving Israel, following similar tensions and violence witnessed in Amsterdam. Geert Wilders, a controversial Dutch politician, called for the revocation of Dutch citizenship for perpetrators with dual nationality, sparking a heated political debate. The events underline growing tensions linked to the conflict in the Middle East, influencing public sentiment and security policies in European cities.