Paris sticks to France-Israel match, saying it will not bow to anti-Semitism

France today voiced its opposition to relocating the upcoming France-Israel match, claiming that doing so would represent giving in to threats of violence and anti-Semitism.

“Some have called for the relocation of the France-Israel match. I do not accept this: France will not back down, as this would be akin to surrendering to threats of violence and anti-Semitism,” French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau said in a statement on X.

France should not succumb to such pressures, he said, emphasising the importance of keeping the match as scheduled.

At his request, Retailleau said Paris Police Chief Laurent Nunez has taken the necessary security measures to ensure the match proceeds at the Stade de France, the venue for the match.

Earlier this week, an anti-genocide group protested at the French Football Federation (FFF) building in Paris, opposing a Nations League match between France and Israel on 14 November at Stade de France.

Dozens of  activists gathered at the FFF headquarters, displaying banners that read “Criminal Israel, Accomplice FFF,” “No to France-Israel Match at Stade de France,” and “Stop Genocide, Silence Kills.”

⚡️🇫🇷JUST IN: “Genocide in Gaza, we can’t just ignore it!”

Pro-Palestinian activists occupy the headquarters of the French Football Federation (FFF) to demand the cancellation of the France-Israel match scheduled for the 14th. pic.twitter.com/3xOtgdCaSP

— Suppressed News. (@SuppressedNws) November 4, 2024

Wearing red gloves, the protesters condemned Israel’s military actions in Gaza and Lebanon. They also hung a Palestinian flag inside the building. Social media footage circulating since Monday showed police are securing the area.

Meanwhile, Amsterdam experienced a surge of violence last night when supporters of Israel’s Maccabi Tel Aviv football team reportedly stormed the city, tearing down Palestinian flags, clashing with bystanders, and confronting law enforcement both before and after their match against Ajax.

Videos shared on social media depict Maccabi fans vandalising property, attacking a local taxi driver and setting a Palestinian flag ablaze.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned what he described as “violence against Israeli citizens,” calling for urgent Dutch action to protect Israeli nationals and dispatched rescue planes to assist those affected.

Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema also highlighted heightened tensions in the city amid the ongoing Gaza conflict, designating “risk zones” for extra police checks and banning a nearby pro-Palestine protest to prevent clashes.

Local police boosting their presence, intervening in multiple incidents, and making several arrests.

Watch: PSG fans unfurl banner calling for a ‘Free Palestine’