Multiple arrests made following violence after Ajax-Maccabi match

Dutch authorities have made five more arrests in connection with the violence that erupted after a Europa League match between Ajax and Israel’s Maccabi Tel Aviv in Amsterdam. The five men, all Dutch nationals aged 18 to 37, are accused of “public violence against persons” in a series of incidents that took place before and after the match on Thursday night.

Confrontations with Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters who were in Amsterdam for the game were reported across the city as a result of the disruption, which the authorities are attributing to the escalating tensions that are as a result of the battle in Gaza. The “hit-and-run” incidents that targeted visiting fans were being orchestrated by young people on scooters, according to the reports filed by the police. There were five people who were taken to the hospital, while others who was injured sustained minor injuries.

The fresh arrests raise the total number of people who have been held in connection with the disturbances that occurred on Thursday to 68. There is still an investigation into one of the five new suspects, despite the fact that he was released. An empty tram was attacked on Monday in the western district of Amsterdam known as ’40-’45 Square.

Some of the rioters allegedly shouted “Free Palestine” during the attack. This led to subsequent violence outbreaks. Fireworks were used to destroy the windows of a tram, and the tram even caught fire for a brief period of time until the authorities put it out. The videos were shared on social media. An intervention by the police resulted in the clearing of the area and the arrest of numerous individuals; nevertheless, there were no reports of injuries.

The violence following Thursday’s match also reportedly included incidents involving Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters. Witnesses said some fans attacked a taxi, burned a Palestinian flag, and allegedly chanted anti-Arab slogans. While Schoof acknowledged these incidents, he emphasized that they did not justify the subsequent violence. “We condemn any violence, regardless of its origin, but this does not excuse what followed with attacks on Jews in Amsterdam,” he stated.

Amsterdam’s police chief Peter Holla noted that tensions were high on both sides, with reports of confrontations during Thursday’s events. Pro-Palestinian protests that were banned in recent days have added to public discontent, with some activists arguing they should be free to express opposition to Israel’s actions in Gaza and to Maccabi supporters.

The unrest in Amsterdam has drawn condemnation from leaders across Europe, the US, and Israel, particularly as it occurred on the eve of Kristallnacht commemorations, a solemn reminder of the 1938 Nazi pogroms against German Jews.

This period of remembrance is especially poignant in the Netherlands, where three-quarters of the Jewish population were killed during the Holocaust. Reports indicate a rise in antisemitic incidents across Europe since the Gaza conflict began, fueling widespread concern over escalating hostilities and hate crimes.

As authorities continue to investigate, the Dutch government has pledged to uphold justice and address the violence impacting communities in the city.