Dutch Justice and Security Minister David van Weel told Dutch media outlet RTL Nieuws that although "we knew it would be a risky night," the police were unable to prevent the Amsterdam pogrom against Israeli Jewish soccer fans.
According to van Weel, "it was very hard for the police to prevent the events. They responded the moment that they saw something happening, but often the attackers fled. We will catch them."
Holland's Chief Rabbi noted that what happened last night and this morning was not ordinary soccer hooliganism.
An eyewitness talking to Army Radio noted that hundreds of pro-Palestinian attackers lay in wait along major roads and near hotels with the intent of attacking Israelis.
The government and Israeli airlines continue to work to evacuate Israeli Jews from Amsterdam.
