NRC reported on the lives behind the 40,000 deaths in Gaza, marking a grim milestone in the ongoing conflict. The Israel-Lebanon border saw escalating tensions, with reports of a Dutch nursing home in Israel being hit by a rocket or drone. Giro555 raised 1.1 million euros for emergency aid in the Middle East. Domestically, discussions on New Year's Eve fireworks regulations continued, with police unions urging the government to protect emergency workers. The VVD was reported to be running a shadow campaign against coalition partner PVV. Labor market issues were highlighted, including concerns about heavy lifting in parcel sorting centers. AI's potential and risks were examined by experts, particularly in medicine. The day concluded with reports of mutual attacks between Israel and Lebanon on a Jewish holiday.