Live updates: Follow the latest on Israel-Gaza
The US and 17 other nations on Thursday called on Hamas to release the hostages held in Gaza as a way of ending Israel's war on the beleaguered territory.
In a joint statement, leaders urged Hamas to accept the ceasefire deal currently on the table, which would allow Palestinians to return to their homes and accelerate the entry of humanitarian aid.
“We emphasise that the deal on the table to release the hostages would bring an immediate and prolonged ceasefire in Gaza,” the statement said.
“That would facilitate a surge of additional necessary humanitarian assistance to be delivered throughout Gaza, and lead to the credible end of hostilities.”
The development comes after Hamas released a video on Wednesday featuring Hersh Goldberg-Polin, a dual Israeli-American citizen.
Mr Goldberg-Polin has been held hostage in Gaza since October 7, when Hamas attacked Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking more than 200 hostages, according to Israeli authorities.
Experts received the video on Monday and are currently reviewing it, a senior US administration official said.
“We have worked it [the ceasefire deal] out in meticulous detail and Hamas has rejected that,” the official told journalists on a call.
“And because of that we still have fighting ongoing in Gaza, and we're working on other dimensions to the crisis every single day but the key, really, is the hostages.”
The official blamed Yahya Sinwar, the head of Hamas in Gaza, for the failure of any ceasefire deal to materialise.
“There have been a number of times where the negotiations have made significant progress outside with Hamas leaders, you know, living in fancy hotels,” the official said.
“But Sinwar is the ultimate decision maker, and when the question goes to him, whether or not you’re going to sign up … the answer that comes back from Sinwar personally, is no.”
The official added that “justice will come” for the Hamas leader.
President Joe Biden, who is running for re-election, is eager to secure a ceasefire of at least six weeks in Gaza.
More than 34,000 Palestinians have been killed amid the Israeli siege of Gaza and famine is looming across much of the coastal enclave.
But efforts to broker a deal have stalled.
“There's a deal on the table, it meets nearly all of the demands that Hamas has had, including key elements,” the US official said.
“What they need to do is release the vulnerable category passages to get things moving.”
More than 100 hostages are believed to currently be held in Gaza by Hamas as well as other armed groups. Their locations are largely unknown.
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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
