AMSTERDAM (AP) — Dozens of people armed with sticks and firecrackers set fire to a tram on Monday night, police officials said Tuesday, as the city faces tensions following last week’s violence. warned of calls for further violence. Targeting fans of Israeli soccer clubs.
Olivier Dutil, from the Amsterdam police, told a court hearing that he was sensing signs of calls for “similar” riots in the west of the city. Streets in the area were relatively quiet in the evening, and there was no noticeable security presence.
Amsterdam’s mayor, police chief and top prosecutor released a report on Monday outlining what happened last week, including new details about actions by Maccabi Tel Aviv fans ahead of the Maccabi Tel Aviv vs. Ajax soccer match. .
Local authorities had decided against banning the match, but tightened security. Pro-Palestinian demonstrators were prohibited by local authorities from gathering outside the stadium.
The day before the match, authorities reported an incident and confirmed social media posts threatening Maccabi fans. Around midnight, Israeli fans ripped a Palestinian flag from a downtown building, and several of them removed their belts and attacked a taxi, the document said. In response, taxi drivers tried to rally online, mainly at the casino, where about 400 Israeli fans had gathered. Police were called to avoid a major confrontation.
On the morning of the match, officials were “particularly concerned about the reaction of Maccabi fans and taxi drivers,” the document said. Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema implored the Israeli ambassador to make clear to Israeli authorities that “this is about a sporting event and should not be confused with politics.”
As the afternoon progressed, social media posts became harsher and used anti-Semitic terminology. After Ajax’s 5-0 win over Maccabi, some members of a large group of Maccabi supporters were “running around with sticks destroying property,” the document said. “Moving in small groups on foot, scooters, and cars, the rioters quickly attacked Maccabi fans before disappearing,” City Hall’s timeline also says.
The police commander said the incidents had “an anti-Semitic character. There are talks about hunting Jews and people are being asked about their nationality.” Rumors about missing persons and a hostage situation subsequently surfaced, but they turned out to be unfounded.
Police said Monday’s fire was quickly extinguished and riot police cleared the square. Images online showed people destroying property and setting off firecrackers. A police vehicle was later found burnt out on a nearby road, and police said they suspected arson.
Police said it was unclear who started the riot or whether it was connected to what happened last week. Videos shared on social media showed some rioters using slurs against Jews.
Police said they had detained three suspects and were appealing for witnesses to incidents including an assault on a cyclist who was struck as he rode past the rioters.
Police said there was a tense atmosphere in the city after five people were treated in hospital and dozens were detained after Thursday’s soccer match. According to the mayor of Amsterdam, the youths searched for Israeli fans on scooters and on foot, punching and kicking them before fleeing to evade police.
Prime Minister Dick Schuch met with members of Amsterdam’s Jewish community on Tuesday to discuss anti-Semitism in the wake of the violence. Reports of anti-Semitic speech, vandalism and violence have increased in Europe since the war in Gaza began.
Eight people, aged between 16 and 37, from Amsterdam and nearby cities have been detained in connection with last week’s violence, police said.
Police say they have identified more than 170 witnesses and taken forensic evidence from dozens of people.. The Prime Minister said he was also investigating videos posted on social media.
The mayor banned all demonstrations in the city and declared police cordoned off in several parts of Amsterdam, open to police searches. Dozens of people were detained on Sunday. He was charged with participating in a pro-Palestinian demonstration that was illegal in central Amsterdam.
Dutch broadcaster NOS reported that police broke up a small demonstration outside Amsterdam City Hall on Tuesday during which riots were being discussed.
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Cassart reported from Brussels. Mike Corder and Molly Kuell in The Hague contributed.
