Fighters from Hamas's armed wing stand guard during the handover of three Israeli hostages to Red Cross representatives in Nuseirat refugee camp, central Gaza Strip, on February 22, 2025. EPA
Fighters from Hamas's armed wing stand guard during the handover of three Israeli hostages to Red Cross representatives in Nuseirat refugee camp, central Gaza Strip, on February 22, 2025. EPA
Fighters from Hamas's armed wing stand guard during the handover of three Israeli hostages to Red Cross representatives in Nuseirat refugee camp, central Gaza Strip, on February 22, 2025. EPA
Fighters from Hamas's armed wing stand guard during the handover of three Israeli hostages to Red Cross representatives in Nuseirat refugee camp, central Gaza Strip, on February 22, 2025. EPA

Trump tells Hamas to release all hostages or 'it's over for you'


Sara Ruthven
  • English
  • Arabic

Live updates: Follow the latest on Israel-Gaza

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday issued an ultimatum to Hamas, telling the group to release the remains of all deceased hostages or "it is over for you".

This is not the first time Mr Trump has issued an ultimatum to Hamas, but the remarks came as the Israel-Hamas ceasefire teeters on the brink, with Israel announcing it was blocking the entry of aid to Gaza while accusing Hamas of stealing supplies. So far, in accordance with the ceasefire, hundreds of Palestinian detainees have been released from Israeli jails in exchange for 33 living and dead hostages being held in Gaza.

"'Shalom Hamas' means hello and goodbye – you can choose," Mr Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform. "Only sick and twisted people keep bodies, and you are sick and twisted."

He added that he is sending Israel "everything it needs to finish the job". "Not a single Hamas member will be safe if you don’t do as I say," Mr Trump wrote.

Earlier on Wednesday, Mr Trump met former hostages in Washington and "listened intently to their heartbreaking stories", the White House said.

"This is your last warning. For the leadership, now is the time to leave Gaza while you still have a chance," he wrote. "Release the hostages now, or there will be hell to pay later."

Meanwhile, the White House confirmed that US officials have engaged in “ongoing talks and discussions” with Hamas. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a briefing that Israel has been consulted about direct US engagement with Hamas officials, but declined to give further details.

“Dialogue and talking to people around the world to do what’s in the best interest of the American people is something that the President has proven is what he believes is a good-faith effort to do what’s right for the American people,” she said.

Adam Boehler, nominated to be special presidential envoy for hostage affairs at the State Department, met Hamas representatives in Doha in recent weeks, news site Axios first reported. The talks have focused in part on the release of US hostages, but have also included discussions of a broader deal to release all remaining hostages and reach a long-term truce.

"President Trump is committed to bringing home all Americans held hostage or wrongfully detained overseas. This includes the Americans and all other hostages that Hamas is still holding hostage in Gaza. Efforts to bring them home are ongoing and sensitive," a State Department spokesperson told The National.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office released a statement saying that Israel relayed its position to the Americans about these direct talks with Hamas, without going into detail.

Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Saar on Tuesday indicated a readiness to move into phase two of the ceasefire agreement, which will include more releases of hostages and Palestinian detainees, as long as Hamas cedes military control of Gaza – a move that Hamas has long refused.

  • Omer Shem Tov, Eliya Cohen and Omer Wenkert, hostages held in Gaza since the deadly October 7, 2023 attack, are released as part of a ceasefire and a hostages-prisoners swap deal between Hamas and Israel, in Nuseirat, central Gaza Strip. Reuters
    Omer Shem Tov, Eliya Cohen and Omer Wenkert, hostages held in Gaza since the deadly October 7, 2023 attack, are released as part of a ceasefire and a hostages-prisoners swap deal between Hamas and Israel, in Nuseirat, central Gaza Strip. Reuters
  • Mr Wenkert is released. Reuters
    Mr Wenkert is released. Reuters
  • Mr Tov, Mr Cohen and Mr Wenkert are brought out on stage by masked, armed Hamas fighters. Photo: Screengrab
    Mr Tov, Mr Cohen and Mr Wenkert are brought out on stage by masked, armed Hamas fighters. Photo: Screengrab
  • Mr Tov, 22, kisses one of the armed fighters on the head. Reuters
    Mr Tov, 22, kisses one of the armed fighters on the head. Reuters
  • Israeli soldiers stand guard as the hostages board a helicopter. Reuters
    Israeli soldiers stand guard as the hostages board a helicopter. Reuters
  • Israeli hostages Avera Mengistu and Tal Shoham are released by Hamas in Rafah. Reuters
    Israeli hostages Avera Mengistu and Tal Shoham are released by Hamas in Rafah. Reuters
  • A woman watches the release in Gaza of hostages, on a screen at the Hostages Square in Tel Aviv. AFP
    A woman watches the release in Gaza of hostages, on a screen at the Hostages Square in Tel Aviv. AFP
  • Hamas fighters line a street in the Nuseirat refugee camp. AFP
    Hamas fighters line a street in the Nuseirat refugee camp. AFP
  • Hamas fighters secure the site at Nuseirat refugee camp where some of the Israeli hostages will be handed over. AFP
    Hamas fighters secure the site at Nuseirat refugee camp where some of the Israeli hostages will be handed over. AFP
  • Relatives and friends wait for the release of Omer Shem Tov, who was kidnapped from the Nova music festival party in Israel. Reuters
    Relatives and friends wait for the release of Omer Shem Tov, who was kidnapped from the Nova music festival party in Israel. Reuters
  • People watch a TV broadcast of the release, in Tel Aviv. Reuters
    People watch a TV broadcast of the release, in Tel Aviv. Reuters
  • People gather at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv, ahead of the scheduled release of six hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. EPA
    People gather at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv, ahead of the scheduled release of six hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. EPA
  • People gather at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv. AFP
    People gather at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv. AFP
Avatar: Fire and Ash

Director: James Cameron

Starring: Sam Worthington, Sigourney Weaver, Zoe Saldana

Rating: 4.5/5

ICC T20 Rankings

1. India - 270 ranking points

 

2. England - 265 points

 

3. Pakistan - 261 points

 

4. South Africa - 253 points

 

5. Australia - 251 points 

 

6. New Zealand - 250 points

 

7. West Indies - 240 points

 

8. Bangladesh - 233 points

 

9. Sri Lanka - 230 points

 

10. Afghanistan - 226 points

 

Favourite book: ‘The Art of Learning’ by Josh Waitzkin

Favourite film: Marvel movies

Favourite parkour spot in Dubai: Residence towers in Jumeirah Beach Residence

COMPANY%20PROFILE
%3Cp%3E%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%20name%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EClara%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2019%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounders%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EPatrick%20Rogers%2C%20Lee%20McMahon%2C%20Arthur%20Guest%2C%20Ahmed%20Arif%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EDubai%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EIndustry%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ELegalTech%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFunding%20size%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20%244%20million%20of%20seed%20financing%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EWamda%20Capital%2C%20Shorooq%20Partners%2C%20Techstars%2C%20500%20Global%2C%20OTF%2C%20Venture%20Souq%2C%20Knuru%20Capital%2C%20Plug%20and%20Play%20and%20The%20LegalTech%20Fund%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Should late investors consider cryptocurrencies?

Wealth managers recommend late investors to have a balanced portfolio that typically includes traditional assets such as cash, government and corporate bonds, equities, commodities and commercial property.

They do not usually recommend investing in Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies due to the risk and volatility associated with them.

“It has produced eye-watering returns for some, whereas others have lost substantially as this has all depended purely on timing and when the buy-in was. If someone still has about 20 to 25 years until retirement, there isn’t any need to take such risks,” Rupert Connor of Abacus Financial Consultant says.

He adds that if a person is interested in owning a business or growing a property portfolio to increase their retirement income, this can be encouraged provided they keep in mind the overall risk profile of these assets.

Dengue%20fever%20symptoms
%3Cul%3E%0A%3Cli%3EHigh%20fever%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EIntense%20pain%20behind%20your%20eyes%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3ESevere%20headache%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EMuscle%20and%20joint%20pains%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3ENausea%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EVomiting%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3ESwollen%20glands%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3ERash%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3C%2Ful%3E%0A%3Cp%3EIf%20symptoms%20occur%2C%20they%20usually%20last%20for%20two-seven%20days%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Other acts on the Jazz Garden bill

Sharrie Williams
The American singer is hugely respected in blues circles due to her passionate vocals and songwriting. Born and raised in Michigan, Williams began recording and touring as a teenage gospel singer. Her career took off with the blues band The Wiseguys. Such was the acclaim of their live shows that they toured throughout Europe and in Africa. As a solo artist, Williams has also collaborated with the likes of the late Dizzy Gillespie, Van Morrison and Mavis Staples.
Lin Rountree
An accomplished smooth jazz artist who blends his chilled approach with R‘n’B. Trained at the Duke Ellington School of the Arts in Washington, DC, Rountree formed his own band in 2004. He has also recorded with the likes of Kem, Dwele and Conya Doss. He comes to Dubai on the back of his new single Pass The Groove, from his forthcoming 2018 album Stronger Still, which may follow his five previous solo albums in cracking the top 10 of the US jazz charts.
Anita Williams
Dubai-based singer Anita Williams will open the night with a set of covers and swing, jazz and blues standards that made her an in-demand singer across the emirate. The Irish singer has been performing in Dubai since 2008 at venues such as MusicHall and Voda Bar. Her Jazz Garden appearance is career highlight as she will use the event to perform the original song Big Blue Eyes, the single from her debut solo album, due for release soon.

The bio

Favourite book: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

Favourite travel destination: Maldives and south of France

Favourite pastime: Family and friends, meditation, discovering new cuisines

Favourite Movie: Joker (2019). I didn’t like it while I was watching it but then afterwards I loved it. I loved the psychology behind it.

Favourite Author: My father for sure

Favourite Artist: Damien Hurst

The specs: 2018 Ducati SuperSport S

Price, base / as tested: Dh74,900 / Dh85,900

Engine: 937cc

Transmission: Six-speed gearbox

Power: 110hp @ 9,000rpm

Torque: 93Nm @ 6,500rpm

Fuel economy, combined: 5.9L / 100km

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

Company%20profile
%3Cp%3EName%3A%20Tabby%3Cbr%3EFounded%3A%20August%202019%3B%20platform%20went%20live%20in%20February%202020%3Cbr%3EFounder%2FCEO%3A%20Hosam%20Arab%2C%20co-founder%3A%20Daniil%20Barkalov%3Cbr%3EBased%3A%20Dubai%2C%20UAE%3Cbr%3ESector%3A%20Payments%3Cbr%3ESize%3A%2040-50%20employees%3Cbr%3EStage%3A%20Series%20A%3Cbr%3EInvestors%3A%20Arbor%20Ventures%2C%20Mubadala%20Capital%2C%20Wamda%20Capital%2C%20STV%2C%20Raed%20Ventures%2C%20Global%20Founders%20Capital%2C%20JIMCO%2C%20Global%20Ventures%2C%20Venture%20Souq%2C%20Outliers%20VC%2C%20MSA%20Capital%2C%20HOF%20and%20AB%20Accelerator.%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A

Empty Words

By Mario Levrero  

(Coffee House Press)
 

Company%20profile
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%20name%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EHakbah%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2018%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounder%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENaif%20AbuSaida%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESaudi%20Arabia%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFinTech%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ECurrent%20number%20of%20staff%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E22%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInitial%20investment%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E%24200%2C000%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestment%20stage%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3Epre-Series%20A%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EGlobal%20Ventures%20and%20Aditum%20Investment%20Management%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
How it works

Each player begins with one of the great empires of history, from Julius Caesar's Rome to Ramses of Egypt, spread over Europe and the Middle East.

Round by round, the player expands their empire. The more land they have, the more money they can take from their coffers for each go.

As unruled land and soldiers are acquired, players must feed them. When a player comes up against land held by another army, they can choose to battle for supremacy.

A dice-based battle system is used and players can get the edge on their enemy with by deploying a renowned hero on the battlefield.

Players that lose battles and land will find their coffers dwindle and troops go hungry. The end goal? Global domination of course.

Dubai Bling season three

Cast: Loujain Adada, Zeina Khoury, Farhana Bodi, Ebraheem Al Samadi, Mona Kattan, and couples Safa & Fahad Siddiqui and DJ Bliss & Danya Mohammed 

Rating: 1/5

Five%20calorie-packed%20Ramadan%20drinks
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERooh%20Afza%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3Cbr%3E100ml%20contains%20414%20calories%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETang%20orange%20drink%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3Cbr%3E100ml%20serving%20contains%20300%20calories%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ECarob%20beverage%20mix%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3Cbr%3E100ml%20serving%20contains%20about%20300%20calories%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EQamar%20Al%20Din%20apricot%20drink%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3Cbr%3E100ml%20saving%20contains%2061%20calories%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EVimto%20fruit%20squash%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3Cbr%3E100ml%20serving%20contains%2030%20calories%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Updated: March 06, 2025, 2:38 PM