Violence broke out in Amsterdam Thursday night following the Europa League match between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv, as young people on scooters carried out hit-and-run attacks on Israeli soccer fans. The assaults, fueled by rising antisemitic rhetoric, resulted in five people being hospitalized and dozens of arrests, according to local authorities.

Witnesses reported that the attackers, youths on scooters, targeted Israeli fans with punches and kicks before fleeing the scene to evade police. The incidents occurred amid growing tensions over Israel’s military actions in Gaza and Lebanon, further inflamed by a large group of Israeli fans chanting anti-Arab slogans as they made their way to the stadium. Amsterdam’s Mayor Femke Halsema condemned the violence, calling it an “eruption of antisemitism” and denouncing online calls for a “Jew hunt.”

Ofek Ziv, a fan of Maccabi Tel Aviv, described how he was struck by a rock and pursued by a group of attackers before taking refuge in a nearby hotel. Ziv expressed fear and frustration, highlighting the lack of police intervention during the violence.

In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the attacks and urged the Dutch government to take “vigorous and swift action” against the perpetrators. Amsterdam has increased security at Jewish institutions, and measures are being taken to ensure the safety of Israeli fans at future European matches. The attacks have sparked widespread concern about security at international events involving Israeli teams.