Live updates: Follow the latest on Israel-Gaza
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres on Wednesday reiterated his call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, describing the humanitarian situation as a “moral stain on us all”.
In remarks delivered by his cabinet chief Earle Courtenay Rattray, Mr Guterres said the UN was “sparing no effort” to deliver aid to Palestinians in Gaza and to secure the release of all hostages held by Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups.
“Those being held hostage have been suffering along with their families for far too long,” he said in his remarks, which came during a ministerial-level open debate at the UN Security Council, headed by Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.
“We need an immediate humanitarian ceasefire and the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.”
According to the Ministry of Health in Gaza, more than 38,800 Palestinians have been killed, with about 89,000 injured and thousands more missing.
Citing Israeli sources, Mr Guterres said more than 1,500 Israelis and foreign citizens have been killed and in excess of 7,000 injured, with 125 hostages still being held in Gaza.
The warring parties were urged to “reach a deal now”.
More than eight months into Israel’s war with Hamas, Palestinians in Gaza are facing widespread hunger and hardship despite a substantial international relief effort.
The UN has been grappling for months with how to transport and distribute food and other supplies to the population.
Mr Guterres said obstacles include movement and access restrictions, limited fuel supply, attacks on aid convoys, widespread criminality amid the breakdown of law and order, inadequate security equipment, an ineffective humanitarian notification system and other co-ordination mechanisms.
He also noted that Israel is altering the geography of the occupied West Bank through administrative and legal measures.
Mr Guterres remarked that settlement expansion is likely to accelerate due to significant land seizures in strategic areas, coupled with changes in planning, land management, and governance.
He emphasised, "Recent developments are driving a stake through the heart of any prospect for a two-state solution."
The UN chief further highlighted that Israel has taken punitive measures against the Palestinian Authority and has legalized five Israeli outposts in the West Bank.
Palestine's envoy to the UN, Riyad Mansour, argued that Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu “only cares about his own political survival”.
In a powerful appeal, Mr Mansour asked the council: “What will you do to ensure he is not the one calling the shots? And here, I'm talking to you, the Security Council. What are you going to do to stop this lunatic from continuing this genocidal war against the Palestinian people?”
In recent months, Israel and Hamas have held indirect talks mediated by Qatar and Egypt to try to reach a ceasefire deal.
Last month, the UN Security Council adopted a US-drafted resolution endorsing President Joe Biden’s ceasefire plan for the Gaza Strip.
The vote marked the first time the world body has backed a comprehensive peace agreement aimed at ending the Gaza war.
Linda Thomas-Greenfield, Washington's UN envoy, highlighted the Security Council's unity and its ability to speak “with one voice and back a concrete, realistic plan”, noting this has led to progress.
“Israel and Hamas have now both agreed to the ceasefire framework endorsed by the council in Resolution 2735,” she said.
“There are still gaps to be closed and this council must keep pressure on Hamas to accept the deal outlined in Resolution 2735, and begin implementing it without delay and without conditions.
“This is what we all want here in this council, it's what the Palestinians in Gaza want.”
BELGIUM%20SQUAD
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Specs – Taycan 4S
Engine: Electric
Transmission: 2-speed auto
Power: 571bhp
Torque: 650Nm
Price: Dh431,800
Specs – Panamera
Engine: 3-litre V6 with 100kW electric motor
Transmission: 2-speed auto
Power: 455bhp
Torque: 700Nm
Price: from Dh431,800
Global Fungi Facts
• Scientists estimate there could be as many as 3 million fungal species globally
• Only about 160,000 have been officially described leaving around 90% undiscovered
• Fungi account for roughly 90% of Earth's unknown biodiversity
• Forest fungi help tackle climate change, absorbing up to 36% of global fossil fuel emissions annually and storing around 5 billion tonnes of carbon in the planet's topsoil
The biog
DOB: March 13, 1987
Place of birth: Jeddah, Saudi Arabia but lived in Virginia in the US and raised in Lebanon
School: ACS in Lebanon
University: BSA in Graphic Design at the American University of Beirut
MSA in Design Entrepreneurship at the School of Visual Arts in New York City
Nationality: Lebanese
Status: Single
Favourite thing to do: I really enjoy cycling, I was a participant in Cycling for Gaza for the second time this year
Sholto Byrnes on Myanmar politics
COMPANY PROFILE
Company name: BorrowMe (BorrowMe.com)
Date started: August 2021
Founder: Nour Sabri
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: E-commerce / Marketplace
Size: Two employees
Funding stage: Seed investment
Initial investment: $200,000
Investors: Amr Manaa (director, PwC Middle East)
UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FIXTURES
All kick-off times 10.45pm UAE ( 4 GMT) unless stated
Tuesday
Sevilla v Maribor
Spartak Moscow v Liverpool
Manchester City v Shakhtar Donetsk
Napoli v Feyenoord
Besiktas v RB Leipzig
Monaco v Porto
Apoel Nicosia v Tottenham Hotspur
Borussia Dortmund v Real Madrid
Wednesday
Basel v Benfica
CSKA Moscow Manchester United
Paris Saint-Germain v Bayern Munich
Anderlecht v Celtic
Qarabag v Roma (8pm)
Atletico Madrid v Chelsea
Juventus v Olympiakos
Sporting Lisbon v Barcelona
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
5 of the most-popular Airbnb locations in Dubai
Bobby Grudziecki, chief operating officer of Frank Porter, identifies the five most popular areas in Dubai for those looking to make the most out of their properties and the rates owners can secure:
• Dubai Marina
The Marina and Jumeirah Beach Residence are popular locations, says Mr Grudziecki, due to their closeness to the beach, restaurants and hotels.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh482 to Dh739
Two bedroom: Dh627 to Dh960
Three bedroom: Dh721 to Dh1,104
• Downtown
Within walking distance of the Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa and the famous fountains, this location combines business and leisure. “Sure it’s for tourists,” says Mr Grudziecki. “Though Downtown [still caters to business people] because it’s close to Dubai International Financial Centre."
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh497 to Dh772
Two bedroom: Dh646 to Dh1,003
Three bedroom: Dh743 to Dh1,154
• City Walk
The rising star of the Dubai property market, this area is lined with pristine sidewalks, boutiques and cafes and close to the new entertainment venue Coca Cola Arena. “Downtown and Marina are pretty much the same prices,” Mr Grudziecki says, “but City Walk is higher.”
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh524 to Dh809
Two bedroom: Dh682 to Dh1,052
Three bedroom: Dh784 to Dh1,210
• Jumeirah Lake Towers
Dubai Marina’s little brother JLT resides on the other side of Sheikh Zayed road but is still close enough to beachside outlets and attractions. The big selling point for Airbnb renters, however, is that “it’s cheaper than Dubai Marina”, Mr Grudziecki says.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh422 to Dh629
Two bedroom: Dh549 to Dh818
Three bedroom: Dh631 to Dh941
• Palm Jumeirah
Palm Jumeirah's proximity to luxury resorts is attractive, especially for big families, says Mr Grudziecki, as Airbnb renters can secure competitive rates on one of the world’s most famous tourist destinations.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh503 to Dh770
Two bedroom: Dh654 to Dh1,002
Three bedroom: Dh752 to Dh1,152
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