Amsterdam attacks LIVE: Seven Israelis missing after mob attacks - horror footage appears

10 mins ago10:06 Ciaran McGrath

Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission, has likewise taken to social media to condemn the attacks on Israeli football fans.

Posting on X, she said: "Outraged by last night’s vile attacks targeting Israeli citizens in Amsterdam.

"I just spoke with @MinPres Schoof.

"I strongly condemn these unacceptable acts.

"Antisemitism has absolutely no place in Europe. And we are determined to fight all forms of hatred."

18 mins ago09:58 Ciaran McGrath

France's match with Israel in Paris next week will go ahead as planned, Bruno Retaillieu, the country's interior minister, has said.

Posting on X, Mr Retaillieu said: "Some are calling for the France-Israel match to be relocated. I do not accept this: France is not backing down because that would amount to giving up in the face of threats of violence and anti-Semitism.

"At my request, the Prefect of Police @NunezLaurent is taking the necessary security measures to ensure that this match takes place at the Stade de France, as usual."

22 mins ago09:54 Ciaran McGrath

The shocking incidents, in the city of Anne Frank, should serve as a "wake-up call", said Holocaust Educational Trust Chief Executive Karen Pollock CBE.

She added: "We are absolutely horrified at the shocking scenes from Amsterdam where Israeli and Jewish football fans have been hunted down, threatened and beaten up.

"We are reminded yet again that antisemitism starts with words but ends in violence. To see this on the eve of Kristallnacht where Jewish people were attacked, their homes, businesses and synagogues destroyed; and in the city of Anne Frank, must be a wake-up call for the authorities in European countries to deal with this rise of racism.

"We will redouble our efforts to call out this Jew hatred and demand urgent action whenever and wherever antisemitism rears its head.

"We must all - Jews and non-Jews alike - say enough is enough."

27 mins ago09:49 Ciaran McGrath

Femke Halsema, the Mayor of Amsterdam, says Israeli supporters of Maccabi Tel Aviv were perpetrators "actively sought out" before being abused, attacked, and pelted with fireworks.

Ms Halsema said riot police had to intervene several times, protecting the supporters and escorting them to hotels.

Nevertheles, despite what she called a "massive police presence," some were injured.

She added: "This outburst of violence towards Israeli supporters goes beyond all limits and is in no way defensible."

The so-called "Amsterdam triangle" - the mayor, police chief, and chief public prosecutor - was urging all victims to report to the police, Ms Halesma stressed.

33 mins ago09:43 Ciaran McGrath

Geert Wilders, the hard right nationalist lawmaker whose Party for Freedom won elections in the Netherlands last year and who is a staunch ally of Israel, reacted to a video apparently showing a Maccabi fan being surrounded by several men.

He said: “Looks like a Jew hunt in the streets of Amsterdam.

"Ashamed that this can happen in The Netherlands. Totally unacceptable."

35 mins ago09:41 Ciaran McGrath

The violence erupted despite a ban on a pro-Palestinian demonstration near the soccer stadium imposed by Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema, who had feared that clashes would break out between protesters and supporters of the Israeli soccer club.

There were also incidents involving fans ahead of the match.

Dutch broadcaster NOS reported that a Palestinian flag was ripped off a building in the centre of the city and riot police blocked pro-Palestinian supporters trying to march toward the Johan Cruyff Arena stadium where the match was being played.

39 mins ago09:37 Ciaran McGrath

Posting on X, Netherlands Prime Minister Dick Schoof said he was "horrified by the antisemitic attacks on Israeli citizens".

He added: "This is completely unacceptable. I am in close contact with all parties involved and have just spoken to @IsraeliPM Netanyahu by phone to stress that the perpetrators will be identified and prosecuted.

"The situation in Amsterdam is now calm once more."

42 mins ago09:34 Ciaran McGrath

Phil Rosenberg, President of the Board of Deputies, said: “The horrifying scenes in Amsterdam last night, where Jewish and Israeli football fans attending the Ajax-Maccabi Tel Aviv game were attacked, should shock us all.

“Some have likened the situation there to a ‘pogrom’. On the basis of reports we have seen so far, it is hard to disagree.

“We want to see peace exported to the Middle East. Those who import violence instead must be met with the full force of the law.

“We will be speaking to UK police and Government over the coming hours and days to ensure there can be no repeat here in the UK. We will also be engaging with the Dutch Embassy to ensure that they understand the gravity of what has occurred.

“I have been in touch with Ruben Vis, CEO of the Dutch Jewish Community, to offer our full support.”

50 mins ago09:26 Ciaran McGrath

More than 60 people have been arrested after last night's violence, Amsterdam Police have said.

A press release issued this morning said: "The police have started a major investigation into multiple violent incidents.

"So far, it is known that five injured people have been taken to hospital and 62 people have been arrested.

"The police are aware of reports about a possible hostage situation and missing persons, but currently have no confirmation that this has actually happened.

"This is also being investigated. A number of people who were reported missing have now been found."

54 mins ago09:22 Ciaran McGrath

A press release issued by the official website of the municipality of Amsterdam said: "The night after the football match between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv was very turbulent with several violent incidents aimed at Maccabi supporters. In several places in the city, supporters were attacked, abused and pelted with fireworks.

"Riot police had to intervene several times, protect Israeli supporters and escort them to hotels. Despite the massive police presence in the city, Israeli supporters were injured. The extent of incidents, victims and arrests is now being mapped out.

"The Amsterdam triangle (mayor, police chief and chief public prosecutor) is in contact with, among others, the Dutch government, the Israeli embassy and the Jewish community in Amsterdam, which is very concerned about the situation."

54 mins ago09:22 Ciaran McGrath

Pictures have also shown a pro-Israel demonstration in Israel before the match, although there is no indication that this was connected to the events which followed.

Supporters gathered in Dam Square, lighting flares and chanting slogans ahead of the UEFA Europa League match between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Ajax.

AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS - NOVEMBER 7: Fans of Maccabi Tel Aviv stage a pro-Israel demonstration at th (Image: Anadolu via Getty Images)

56 mins ago09:20 Ciaran McGrath

Gideon Sa'ar, Israel's Foreign Minister, is travelling to the Netherlands for an "urgent diplomatic visit", according to Israeli media reports.

Mr Sa'ar earlier referred to the attack "a blaring alarm call for Europe and the world".

He said: "Freedom loving countries, democracies, cannot allow unbridled hatred to roam the streets with impunity.

"As history has shown - what begins with persecution and violence against Jews never ends with the Jews."

1 hour ago09:15 Ciaran McGrath

Israel’s President, Isaac Herzog, referred to last year's 7 October attacks as he condemned last night's violence in Amsterdam.

He said: "We see with horror this morning, the shocking images and videos that since October 7, we had hoped never to see again: an antisemitic pogrom currently taking place against Maccabi Tel Aviv fans and Israeli citizens in the heart of Amsterdam."

Herzog called on the Netherlands to take all necessary measures to protect and rescue all Israelis and Jews and "eradicate the violence against Jewish and Israeli citizens by all required means".

Pro-Palestinians demonstrate in Amsterdam's Anton de Komplein square ahead of the match (Image: ANP/AFP via Getty Images)

1 hour ago09:11 Ciaran McGrath

Israel has scrapped plans to send military planes to the Netherlands to rescue Maccabi fans, Prime Minister's Benjamin Netanyahu's office has said.

A new statement said that after consulting with Israel's military, it was concluded sending a "professional rescue mission to the Netherlands was not necessary".

Two planes would be sent to the Dutch capital, the country said initially. Israeli citizens will instead return home via civilian airlines.

The statement added: "The State of Israel is doing everything to ensure the safety and security of our citizens who were brutally attacked in the horrific antisemitic incident in Amsterdam."

1 hour ago09:02 Ciaran McGrath

We'll be providing you with regular updates after a shocking night of violence in Amsterdam.

Seven Israeli football fans are reportedly still missing after a night of carnage in Amsterdam in which they were set upon by pro-Palestine youths.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has sent to deploy an immediate rescue mission to the Netherland after what was referred to "a very violent incident” targeting multiple Israeli citizens.

The Israeli Shin Bet, or security agency, has confirmed it is increasing security at all embassies in Netherlands and Israeli flights from country.

Broadcaster N12 news said at least seven people remained missing, with 20 injured.

The UK’s Board of Deputies has condemned the incidents and called on the UK Government to ensure similar attacks do not occur in this country.