U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the United States has not yet formally requested NATO assistance to reopen the blocked Strait of Hormuz. However, he warned that European allies must be prepared to take action rather than waiting for the conflict to end if the blockade persists.
Dutch Asylum Minister Bart van den Brink is seeking to stabilize the national asylum debate amid violent riots and a critical situation at the Ter Apel registration center. The CDA vice-premier maintains that progress is being made, including cabinet plans to establish return hubs in Africa.
A Dutch couple is suspected of exploiting their underage daughter by forcing her to work long hours at markets from a young age. The exploitation allegedly occurred over several years at various market locations throughout the Netherlands and Belgium.
Dutch Flotilla activists arriving at Schiphol Airport have reported severe abuse and sexual violence by Israeli soldiers during their detention. Sil Kiewiet de Jonge, who was intercepted near Crete, corroborated accounts of humiliation and physical assault experienced by the group.
Thousands of people gathered at the U.S. embassy in Havana to protest against charges brought by the United States against former President Raúl Castro. The U.S. alleges Castro's involvement in the 1996 shootdown of two civilian aircraft, which resulted in four deaths.
Around 50 activists from Active for Justice protested at the Hanos wholesaler in Amsterdam to demand a ban on the sale and import of foie gras in the Netherlands. Although production is already illegal in the country, the demonstrators and the local city council are pushing for a total ban due to animal welfare concerns.