(IANS file photo)

World Desk

An explosion has damaged a Jewish school in Amsterdam, prompting an investigation by Dutch authorities who believe the incident may have deliberately targeted the Jewish community.

The blast occurred early Saturday in a residential area in the southern part of the Dutch capital. Emergency services, including police and firefighters, quickly arrived at the scene after the explosion was reported.

Officials said the building suffered limited damage and no injuries were reported.

Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema described the explosion as a possible deliberate act against the Jewish community. She strongly condemned the incident, calling it a cowardly attack.

Police are reviewing surveillance camera footage that reportedly shows a person setting off the explosive device near the school. Authorities are working to identify the suspect and determine the motive behind the attack.

Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten also condemned the incident, saying it has understandably caused fear and anger among members of the Jewish community. He added that the government is paying close attention to the security of Jewish institutions across the country.

Security at Jewish schools and institutions in the Netherlands has been increased following several recent incidents in Europe. In the past few days, attacks were reported at synagogues in Rotterdam and Liege, Belgium.

Meanwhile, a separate incident occurred in the United States earlier this week when a man drove a vehicle into a synagogue building in West Bloomfield, Michigan. Authorities said the suspect, who was armed with a rifle, was shot and killed by law enforcement officers. No staff members, teachers, or children inside the building were injured.

Security experts say concerns about potential attacks on Jewish communities around the world have risen amid heightened geopolitical tensions following recent military confrontations involving Israel, the United States, and Iran.