Police Crack Down on Pro-Palestinian Protesters in Amsterdam

In Amsterdam, the police didn't take any chances. After recent violence targeting fans of an Israeli soccer team, the city's mayor banned all protests for the weekend. Despite the ban, dozens of pro-Palestinian demonstrators took to the streets. Police quickly stepped in, arresting over 50 people and removing another 340 from the scene. The protesters shouted slogans like "Free, free Palestine, " but the police were firm in their response. The municipality, along with police and the public prosecutor’s office, even extended the protest ban until Thursday morning.Meanwhile, in France, Paris police prepared for a major soccer match between France and Israel. They planned to deploy 4, 000 officers and 1, 600 stadium staff to ensure safety both inside and outside the stadium. This came after reports that Maccabi Tel Aviv fans had torn down a Palestinian flag and chanted anti-Arab slurs before a match in Amsterdam. The situation in Amsterdam was tense. On Friday, gangs of youths carried out what the mayor called "hit and run" attacks, inspired by social media calls to target Jewish people. Five people needed hospital treatment, and over 60 suspects were arrested. The Israeli Foreign Minister, Gideon Saar, visited the Netherlands and offered help in the investigation. He met with the Dutch Prime Minister, Mark Rutte, and described the attacks and demands to show passports as reminiscent of dark historical periods.