Amsterdam (Quds News Network) – Defying a ban issued by local authorities, thousands of anti-genocide and pro-Palestine protesters rallied in the heart of Amsterdam on Wednesday, demonstrating against Israel’s ongoing genocide in Gaza. The ban was imposed after recent violence erupted following attacks by Israeli hooligans, who came to the country as fans of the Israeli football club Maccabi Tel Aviv.
Protesters, many waving Palestinian flags, filled central Amsterdam, chanting slogans like “Amsterdam is saying no to genocide” and “Free Palestine.”
The rally took place despite expanded police stop-and-search measures enacted in response to last week’s violence caused by Israeli hooligans. Under these emergency measures, which are set to expire on Thursday, police have detained or removed hundreds of demonstrators in recent days.
Tensions Escalate After Israeli Attacks
The unrest in the Dutch capital began last week when fans of Maccabi Tel Aviv attacked a taxi and set a Palestinian flag on fire. Several video footages showed Israeli attacking properties and climbing houses’ walls to remove Palestinian flags. According to Amsterdam police, the assailants were pursued and beaten by locals who intervened. Five Israeli hooligans were treated for injuries and subsequently released from local hospitals, while police escorted hundreds of the Israeli hooligans back to their hotels to prevent further clashes.
Authorities have detained 62 individuals, including 10 antizionist Israeli expats. Four of those detained remain in custody.
Accusations of Antisemitism
Israeli and Dutch politicians have condemned the locals’ actions calling them ‘antisemitic’, invoking memories of Jewish persecution during World War II. However, residents defended their actions, stressing that they were merely responding to an unprovoked attack by Israeli hooligans, who hurled anti-Arab and anti-Muslim slurs.
The protests in Amsterdam coincide with growing international outrage over Israel’s genocide in Gaza, which has killed over 43,000 Palestinians and left much of the enclave in ruins. Demonstrators in the Dutch capital emphasized their solidarity with Gaza, with many insisting that their protests were aimed at condemning Israel’s actions, not targeting Jewish communities.
Source: qudsnen
