Pro-Palestinian protesters arrested at Israel event in Amsterdam

Around 45 pro-Palestinian protesters have been arrested after they disrupted a demonstration by supporters of Israel in Amsterdam.

Police led members of the group away after they sprayed slogans in red paint on the ground in Dam Square, near the national war memorial, where a group of several hundred had gathered for an event organised by Christians for Israel.

Speakers at the event included Chris Stoffer, leader of the orthodox Protestant party SGP, and the Dutch chief rabbi Binyamin Jacobs.

Earlier in the day the group Amsterdam Palestina Coalitie lost a court case in which it tried to overturn a ban by the city council on a counter-demonstration in Dam Square.

A spokesman for mayor Femke Halsema said there was a risk of public disorder if the both groups were allowed to demonstrate in the same place.

Pro-Palestinian protesters who went to the square in spite of the ban were arrested. A giant Palestinian flag that was hung from the upper floors of the H&M store overlooking the monument was removed by police.

The counter-demonstration was moved to Oude Turfmarkt, around 500 metres away on Rokin.

The public prosecution service will now decide whether to bring charges against the protesters in the square.