The Netherlands has extended its ban on public gatherings after violence flared in Amsterdam following a Europa League match involving Israeli football team Maccabi Tel Aviv. Israel has now issued a chilling warning
Israel has issued a stark warning about potential attacks targeting Jews and Israelis at major events across the globe, including in the UK.
An online alert from Israel’s National Security Council cautions that pro-Palestinian factions are plotting violent assaults disguised as protests and demonstrations.
This alert follows an incident in Amsterdam where Maccabi Tel Aviv football supporters were assaulted post-Europa League match, resulting in five hospitalisations. Dutch and Israeli officials have condemned these acts as antisemitic, although the exact cause of the violence remains unclear.
Footage prior to the incident captured Israeli fans chanting anti-Arab slogans. The National Security Council’s statement highlighted that it has spotted calls within pro-Palestinian circles to target Israelis and Jews “under the pretence of demonstrations and protests”, using large-scale sports and cultural gatherings to “maximise the damage” and attract media attention.
The statement further revealed: “In addition, preparations to harm Israelis have been identified in several European cities, including Brussels (Belgium), major cities in the UK, Amsterdam (Netherlands), and Paris (France – around the upcoming match of the Israeli team on November 14).”
Israelis and Jews are advised to steer clear of events abroad that involve Israel, especially the forthcoming football match in Paris, reports the Express.
Tel Aviv has warned its citizens to hide any signs that might reveal them as Israeli or Jewish, which includes when using taxi apps. Meanwhile, footage from Amsterdam shows a worrying scene where a taxi driver proclaims, “Today we’re going on a Jew hunt”, according to recent reports.
Over in the Netherlands, riot cops have had to disperse a Palestinian solidarity protest after a Dutch court confirmed an emergency ban on public gatherings following post-match chaos. The restrictions, including bans on demonstrations and face coverings, have been prolonged until Thursday (November 14), says The Times.
Despite the ban, scores of protesters shouting “Free Palestine” came together, decrying the blaming of pro-Palestinian supporters for the post-game violence. After tensions escalated, more than 100 individuals were detained as officers with shields and batons charged the crowd, the paper says.
More arrests linked to the match-day unrest are anticipated, with some individuals potentially facing terrorism-related charges.
