Dozens killed in Israeli strikes on refugee camps across Gaza

Live updates: Follow the latest on Israel-Gaza

At least 23 Palestinians were killed early on Friday in Israeli strikes on refugee camps across Gaza, with Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar vowing the militant group will fight on until its ceasefire conditions are met.

The attacks killed five people in Nuseirat camp, including Mayor Iyad Al Maghari, and at least six in Maghazi camp, in central Gaza, the Wafa news agency reported.

Mr Al Maghari was killed when Israeli forces attacked a municipal office in central Gaza.

Several people were wounded and at least two bodies were recovered from beneath the rubble after Israeli forces pounded a house near Al Salam Mosque in the Sabra district of Gaza city, civil defence said.

Israeli forces also carried out air, land and sea attacks on northern, central and southern Gaza overnight on Thursday.

Since Israel's war on the Gaza Strip began in October, more than 36,600 people have been killed and about 83,300 have been injured, figures show.

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Elsewhere, the Israeli military said on Friday that it launched an attack on various Hezbollah sites in Lebanon.

The strikes took place on the Jabal Rezlane region, in southern Lebanon, as well as the villages of Ramyah and Kfar Kila.

Hezbollah “military structures” were hit in the overnight strikes, the military said.

Meanwhile, Russia and China, which hold veto powers on the UN Security Council, raised concerns on Thursday evening about a draft US resolution that would back a proposal outlined by President Joe Biden for a ceasefire.

The council's only Arab member, Algeria, also signalled it was not ready to back the draft resolution.

The draft needs at least nine votes in favour and no vetoes by the five permanent members – the US, France, Britain, China or Russia – to pass.

Mr Biden laid out a three-phase ceasefire plan for the Gaza Strip a week ago that he described as an Israeli initiative.

Washington is seeking international support for the plan that Hamas is still studying.

It circulated a one-page draft resolution to the 15-member Security Council on Monday and a revised version on Wednesday, Reuters reported.

Zayed Sustainability Prize

Clean water and solar homes: Zayed prize finalists present sustainability solutions

What is the Zayed Sustainability Prize?

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Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026

1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years

If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.

2. E-invoicing in the UAE

Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption.

3. More tax audits

Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks.

4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime

Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.

5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit

There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.

6. Further transfer pricing enforcement

Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes.

7. Limited time periods for audits

Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion.

8. Pillar 2 implementation

Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.

9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services

Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations.

10. Substance and CbC reporting focus

Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity.

Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer

Three ways to get a gratitude glow

By committing to at least one of these daily, you can bring more gratitude into your life, says Ong.

During your morning skincare routine, name five things you are thankful for about yourself.
As you finish your skincare routine, look yourself in the eye and speak an affirmation, such as: “I am grateful for every part of me, including my ability to take care of my skin.”
In the evening, take some deep breaths, notice how your skin feels, and listen for what your skin is grateful for.