Israel escalated its military offensive against Hezbollah in Lebanon, with the death toll surpassing 500. The Israeli army announced a "new extensive wave of attacks," targeting numerous Hezbollah positions. Reports emerged of half a million Lebanese fleeing, while hospitals struggled to cope. Hezbollah confirmed the death of a commander in Beirut. The conflict's intensification raised concerns about potential Iranian involvement and a ground war. Domestically, the Dutch parliament voted for a minimum age and helmet requirement for fatbikes. AkzoNobel announced 2,000 job cuts globally. The first health insurance premium for 2025 was revealed, showing a significant increase. Reports surfaced of Russian ships potentially spying on Dutch wind farms in the North Sea.