Smoke from an Israeli air strike on the outskirts of Gaza city on September 15. EPA
Smoke from an Israeli air strike on the outskirts of Gaza city on September 15. EPA
Smoke from an Israeli air strike on the outskirts of Gaza city on September 15. EPA
Smoke from an Israeli air strike on the outskirts of Gaza city on September 15. EPA

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'All bets are off' if Hamas uses hostages as human shields, Trump says

Israel believes Hamas still has 20 living hostages who were captured on October 7, 2023

The National

September 15, 2025

  • English
  • Arabic

US President Donald Trump on Monday warned Hamas not to use hostages as human shields as Israel increases its ground offensive in Gaza City.

His comments came after he said he read a news report stating that Hamas is moving hostages into locations above ground.

“I hope the leaders of Hamas know what they’re getting into if they do such a thing. This is a human atrocity, the likes of which few people have ever seen before,” Mr Trump wrote on Truth Social, adding that “all bets are off” if the militant group use the hostages as human shields.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu thanked Mr Trump for his “unflinching support for Israel's battle against Hamas”.

President Donald Trump posted this message on Truth Social on September 15, 2025.
President Donald Trump posted this message on Truth Social on September 15, 2025.

Hamas has said it will only free the remaining hostages in return for Palestinian prisoners, a lasting ceasefire and an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.

Israel believes Hamas still has 20 living hostages who were captured during the October 7, 2023 attack on Israel that started the war. Almost 65,000 Gazans have been killed in the war, according to the Hamas-controlled Health Ministry.

Israel at the weekend unleashed a barrage of air strikes that killed at least 32 people across Gaza City, medical staff reported.

Video footage showed the destruction of another high-rise building and the tower's collapse. Later, people could be seen scrambling up a mound of grey ruins.

In recent days, Israel has destroyed several high-rises after evacuation orders. It accused Hamas of putting surveillance equipment in them, without providing evidence.

Separately, Mr Trump told reporters that Mr Netanyahu would not strike Qatar again, after an attack on Hamas last week that infuriated Washington's Gulf ally.

“He won't be hitting in Qatar,” Mr Trump told reporters in the Oval Office, after Mr Netanyahu failed to rule out further strikes during a meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Jerusalem.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, right, and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Jerusalem on September 15. AFP
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, right, and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Jerusalem on September 15. AFP
Get inspired

Here are a couple of Valentine’s Day food products that may or may not go the distance (but have got the internet talking anyway).

Sourdough sentiments: Marks & Spencer in the United Kingdom has introduced a slow-baked sourdough loaf dusted with flour to spell out I (heart) you, at £2 (Dh9.5). While it’s not available in the UAE, there’s nothing to stop you taking the idea and creating your own message of love, stencilled on breakfast-inbed toast.  

Crisps playing cupid: Crisp company Tyrells has added a spicy addition to its range for Valentine’s Day. The brand describes the new honey and chilli flavour on Twitter as: “A tenderly bracing duo of the tantalising tingle of chilli with sweet and sticky honey. A helping hand to get your heart racing.” Again, not on sale here, but if you’re tempted you could certainly fashion your own flavour mix (spicy Cheetos and caramel popcorn, anyone?). 

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

While you're here
Zombieland: Double Tap

Director: Ruben Fleischer

Stars: Woody Harrelson, Jesse Eisenberg, Emma Stone

Four out of five stars 

Muslim Council of Elders condemns terrorism on religious sites

The Muslim Council of Elders has strongly condemned the criminal attacks on religious sites in Britain.

It firmly rejected “acts of terrorism, which constitute a flagrant violation of the sanctity of houses of worship”.

“Attacking places of worship is a form of terrorism and extremism that threatens peace and stability within societies,” it said.

The council also warned against the rise of hate speech, racism, extremism and Islamophobia. It urged the international community to join efforts to promote tolerance and peaceful coexistence.

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Updated: September 16, 2025, 3:04 AM
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