Police Arrest More Suspects in Amsterdam Assaults on Israeli Soccer Fans

This past weekend, authorities in Amsterdam apprehended five additional individuals on assault charges, bringing the total number of arrests related to the violent incidents involving Israeli soccer fans to eight. The arrests occurred following a match between an Israeli team and a Dutch club, which ended in chaos as supporters were attacked in the city. Of the five new detainees, four remain in custody while investigations continue, with police indicating that further arrests could follow.

The arrested individuals, all men aged between 18 and 37, are believed to be connected to the assaults. In a bid to enhance their investigation, police have encouraged the public to come forward with any video footage that may provide crucial evidence.

On Monday afternoon, Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof addressed reporters, stating that many of the assailants who targeted Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters appeared to have “a migration background.” He remarked, “We have an integration problem,” emphasizing that the violence is a manifestation of broader societal issues.

Amidst escalating tensions related to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, Amsterdam—home to a significant Muslim population—has seen an increase in unrest. The conflict, ignited by the Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, has fueled anger over Israel’s military actions in Gaza. While the majority of the hundreds of protests held in the city have been peaceful, a few have devolved into chaos. Notably, one protest disrupted the opening ceremony of Amsterdam’s new Holocaust museum.

As of Monday night, unrest persisted in the city. Riot police were deployed to address incidents of vandalism and fireworks being thrown, which resulted in a tram being set ablaze in a square located in the western part of Amsterdam. Authorities have urged citizens to avoid the area for their safety.

In a related incident across the border in Belgium, two boys—aged 14 and 17—were arrested in Antwerp on Sunday and Monday. Antwerp officials reported that the youths were allegedly involved in disseminating calls on social media encouraging attacks against Jewish residents in the city.