Mobs in Amsterdam violently attacked Israeli soccer fans on Thursday evening following a match between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Ajax.
Social media footage showed fans being chased and beaten by suspected migrant groups. At least 10 Israelis have been confirmed injured, with some reports suggesting as many as 20 wounded.
Seven Israelis are still missing and have not been contacted, according to Israel’s Channel 12 News. Dutch authorities are investigating a possible kidnapping and have arrested around 60 people in connection with the attacks.
Israel’s new Foreign Minister, Gideon Sa’ar, reportedly traveled to the Netherlands on Friday morning to assist with evacuation efforts. Israeli authorities focus on facilitating the swift return of approximately 2,750 Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters currently in Amsterdam.
Although the Israeli military initially planned to send military planes, the Prime Minister’s Office later announced that civilian airlines would instead increase flights. El Al, Arkia, and Israir were instructed to add three rescue flights to Amsterdam.
Culture and Sports Minister Miki Zohar also dispatched a professional team to help contact the Israeli fans and arrange their return. Israel’s domestic intelligence agency, Shin Bet, is reportedly offering assistance to Dutch authorities. The IDF, meanwhile, has barred army personnel from flying to the Netherlands until further notice.
Witnesses have said most of the attackers appeared to be Arab or Muslim migrants. Some Israeli fans were allegedly asked if they spoke Arabic or Dutch before being targeted. Video footage posted online shows fans being chased with knives, while others were struck by vehicles. Several Israelis were seen fleeing the violence by jumping into the canals to escape.
Among the missing is 33-year-old Guy Avidor, who traveled from London to attend the game. His family has not heard from him since the incident and has called on the public for help in locating him.
The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office issued a statement on Friday morning, confirming that Netanyahu had been briefed on the situation. Two rescue planes were dispatched to assist Israeli citizens, with the IDF coordinating the mission.
The IDF is sending cargo planes along with two Hercules aircraft carrying medical and rescue teams. Netanyahu condemned the attack as “horrifying” and called on Dutch authorities to take swift action against the perpetrators.