Moroccan groups in Netherlands say Amsterdam violence was a «reaction to Zionist aggression»

A group of Moroccan organizations active in the Netherlands has issued a statement condemning the violence that occurred in Amsterdam on Thursday, November 7. The statement stated that approximately 3,000 fans accompanying the Maccabi Tel Aviv team, many of whom are members of the Israeli military and intelligence services, were responsible for the incidents.

The organizations argue that the purpose of the visit was not merely to support their team during the soccer match against Ajax Amsterdam, but to «create confusion and destabilize security and peaceful coexistence in the Netherlands».

The statement was signed by the European Center for Human Rights, Euro-Mediterranean Center for Migration and Development, United Socialist Party Western Europe, Workers' Democratic Approach Party Western Europe, Association of Moroccan Workers Netherlands, Aknari Foundation Netherlands, Coalition Against Islamophobia and Racism Netherlands, and the Moroccan Initiative for Human Rights Netherlands.

The organizations criticized media outlets «biased towards Zionist narratives for spreading false information about the origins of the violence». They contend that the riots were «a legitimate response to provocations and attacks by the Maccabi fans», who began their aggressive behavior on Wednesday, November 6, 2024.

The statement further alleges that Dutch police «failed to intervene and prevent the violence, allowing the Zionist fans to chant hate speech, destroy property, and attack Amsterdam residents with impunity».

The organizations also denounced a «fictitious and suspicious association» claiming to represent Moroccan associations in the Netherlands, accusing it of «spreading lies and misinformation to serve Zionist interests».