Live updates: Follow the latest news on Israel-Gaza
The US criticised Israel on Wednesday for demolishing the home of Fakhri Abu Diab, a Palestinian community leader in the East Jerusalem neighbourhood of Silwan.
“We believe that demolition not only obviously damages his home and his family and the lives that they have built there, but the entire community, who live in fear that their homes may be next,” said State Department spokesman Matthew Miller.
Mr Abu Diab had been fighting to keep his home in Al Bustan area of Silwan for more than a decade.
Israeli authorities first sent him a demolition order more than 15 years ago, according to Wafa, the Palestinian news agency.
Silwan, a neighbourhood of tightly packed homes and winding streets to the south of the Old City of Jerusalem, has been at the centre of a power struggle between Israeli settlers and Palestinians for years.
Since 2010, the municipality of Jerusalem has been trying to transform the area into a park called “King’s Garden”.
An estimated 1,550 residents are facing demolition orders from Israeli authorities, who have controlled the area since the 1967 war.
Palestinian home destroyed in Sheikh Jarrah – in pictures
Israeli authorities say the homes were built without permits but Palestinians say it is nearly impossible for them to get them approved.
The UN has described Israel's practice of not approving permits for Palestinians in parts of East Jerusalem and the occupied West Bank as “restrictive and discriminatory”.
The demolition comes amid the ongoing Israel-Gaza war and as settlers engage in growing levels of violence against Palestinians in the West Bank.
Mr Miller said Israel’s practice of carrying out demolitions in East Jerusalem damages its “standing in the world”.
“These acts obstruct efforts to advance a durable and lasting peace and security that would benefit not just Palestinians, but Israelis,” Mr Miller told reporters at a regular press briefing.
The EU delegation to Palestine was equally irate over the demotion.
“Today’s demolition shows the complete disregard for Palestinian rights to adequate housing in contravention to international law and Israel’s duty as the occupying power,” the group said on X.
Tales of Yusuf Tadros
Adel Esmat (translated by Mandy McClure)
Hoopoe
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
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Killing of Qassem Suleimani
What can victims do?
Always use only regulated platforms
Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion
Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)
Report to local authorities
Warn others to prevent further harm
Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence
COMPANY PROFILE
Founders: Sebastian Stefan, Sebastian Morar and Claudia Pacurar
Based: Dubai, UAE
Founded: 2014
Number of employees: 36
Sector: Logistics
Raised: $2.5 million
Investors: DP World, Prime Venture Partners and family offices in Saudi Arabia and the UAE
RESULT
Aston Villa 1
Samatta (41')
Manchester City 2
Aguero (20')
Rodri (30')
Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
Tamkeen's offering
- Option 1: 70% in year 1, 50% in year 2, 30% in year 3
- Option 2: 50% across three years
- Option 3: 30% across five years
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
Juliet, Naked
Dir: Jesse Peretz
Starring: Chris O'Dowd, Rose Byrne, Ethan Hawke
Two stars
More on animal trafficking
Desert Warrior
Starring: Anthony Mackie, Aiysha Hart, Ben Kingsley
Director: Rupert Wyatt
Rating: 3/5
