Israeli military prepares rescue operation for injured football hooligans in Amsterdam

Israel’s military is “preparing immediately” to launch a “rescue mission” to Amsterdam after clashes following a football match left around 10 Israeli supporters injured.

“The mission will depart on cargo planes and will include medical and rescue crews,” a military spokesman said.

“The Home Front Command is leading the rescue operation in cooperation with the various branches, and branches of the [Israeli military] and the security forces,” the spokesman added, noting that it is “in coordination with the Dutch government.”

Earlier, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered two rescue planes to head to Amsterdam to assist Maccabi Tel Aviv fans after the club's 5-0 defeat to Ajax Amsterdam in a Europa League match on Thursday night.

Clashes erupted between Maccabi football hooligans and pro-Palestinian demonstrators, with additional confrontations reported between Israeli fans and police before the match. Videos shared online showed Israeli fans removing Palestinian flags from buildings.

Dutch police had previously announced the arrest of 20 people for public disorder and illegal possession of fireworks as hundreds of Israeli supporters gathered in Amsterdam’s central Dam Square