Latest news with #occupation
Russia Today
2 days ago
- Politics
- Russia Today
Israel to ‘do in Gaza what we did in Tokyo and Berlin'
West Jerusalem is about to take the Gaza Strip under its full control, US Senator Lindsey Graham has said. Israel will establish long-term occupation of the Palestinian enclave as the US itself did in parts of Germany and Japan after the World War II, the lawmaker told NBC News on Sunday. No other solution but occupation would satisfy the Israeli leadership, the senator believes. West Jerusalem came to a conclusion 'that they can't achieve a goal of ending the war with Hamas that would be satisfactory to the safety of Israel,' according to Graham. Washington also allegedly came 'to believe, there's no way you're going to negotiate an end of this war with Hamas,' the senator stated as the US-mediated peace process between Israel and the Gaza-based Hamas militant group got stalled. 'They're going to do in Gaza what we did in Tokyo and Berlin, take the place by force and start over again,' Graham said, referring to alleged Israeli plans. West Jerusalem could also offer Hamas fighters a safe passage out of the enclave in exchange for the hostages' release, he added. Earlier this week, US Middle East special envoy Steve Witkoff said that Washington had decided to bring its negotiating team home for consultations and accused Hamas of lacking a desire to reach a ceasefire with Israel. A US-backed deal would have involved a 60-day truce during which Hamas would release ten living hostages and the remains of 18 more in phases, in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. The talks have stalled over conflicting demands on how to end the war. Hamas has insisted on a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza as West Jerusalem has refused to end its campaign until the militant group relinquishes power and disarms. The conflict started in October 2023 after a Hamas incursion into southern Israel that killed 1,200 people. Since then, over 59,000 Palestinians have been killed, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. Reports about Israeli plans to permanently occupy Gaza and resettle its estimated 2.3 million-strong population elsewhere have repeatedly emerged as the hostilities continued.
7NEWS
4 days ago
- Business
- 7NEWS
When do I lodge my tax return? ATO says now is the best time after myGov accounts pre-filled
Patient taxpayers with simple affairs have been given the thumbs up to lodge their returns after more than 90 million pieces of information was pre-filled into Australian myGov accounts. Four weeks into the new financial year, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) said 'it's time to lodge'. WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: How to make the most of your tax refund. 'You've been patiently waiting, but now you're good to go,' Assistant Commissioner Rob Thomson said. 'Whether you lodge using a registered tax agent or lodge yourself through myTax, pre-fill information will now be available.' Thomson said taxpayers should check that pre-populated information from employers, banks, government agencies and private health insurers is accurate. They then need to work out what is missing and calculate any deductions they are entitled to. 'Don't forget that you need to include all sources of income in your tax return,' Thomson said. 'This includes side-hustles, linked income from providing ride sourcing services or selling services via an app. 'Remember, the ATO has 40 industry and occupation specific guides to assist you in what you can claim and what records are required to prove it.' Australians can file their tax returns from July 1, but experts suggest not getting twisted up in that date. That is because you want to make sure your document is complete and accurate before you hit the lodge button, to avoid a follow-up call from the ATO. CPA Australia tax lead Jenny Wong said it is not uncommon for early lodgers to have to amend their returns later, so holding fire can save you in the long run. 'Cost-of-living pressures could mean some people are eager to lodge their tax return as quickly as possible to access a refund, but it's important to be patient, gather your evidence and claim everything you are entitled to,' Wong said. 'Firing the starting pistol on your tax return too quickly means you could end up shooting yourself in the foot.' What can I claim? Deductions must be related to purchases made before June 30 if you intend to claim them in this tax return. What you can claim will depend on what you do for work. The ATO and accountants know the difference. 'It is important that taxpayers take reasonable care when lodging, as penalties may apply where people have not taken reasonable care and increase when they are reckless or intentionally provide false information,' Thomson said. More than $2.2 billion in penalties were dished out to taxpayers who failed to comply with their obligations in 2023-2024. When is the cut-off to lodge my tax return? October 31 is the deadline for Australians lodging their return themselves. For those using the services of a registered tax agent, you have more time — until May the following year. But make sure you have reached out to them and have the ball rolling before the start of November. Will I be fined for missing the October 31 deadline? If you fail to lodge in time, the ATO may impose penalties, starting with a $330 fine. 'We will consider your circumstances when deciding what action to take,' Thomson said. 'It is important that taxpayers take reasonable care when lodging as penalties may apply where people have not taken reasonable care and increase when they are reckless or intentionally provide false information. 'Our preferred approach is to work with taxpayers to help them meet their tax obligations.' When will I get my tax refund? Most refunds are issued within two weeks, but the process can take longer if the ATO has queries. 'This process cannot be sped up, even if you call us,' Thomson said. 'You can keep track of your return by logging into the ATO app or ATO online services through myGov. Paper tax returns can take up to 50 days to process. Wong said there is a misconception that lodging your return straight away puts you at the front of the queue for a refund, 'but it's not that simple'. 'Take your time, get your facts right, and lodge a full and comprehensive claim when you're ready,' she said.
Sky News AU
6 days ago
- Business
- Sky News AU
ATO reveals why now is ideal for Aussies to lodge their tax returns, as fresh warning issued to businesses over GST fraud
The Australian Taxation Office has revealed millions of Aussies will now notice their personal information filled out for them when they go to lodge their tax returns, while a new warning is issued to businesses over GST fraud. While taxpayers were able to start sending off their returns on July 1, the tax office advised Aussies against completing their lodgments until their personal data had been pre-filled by the ATO. This was to help individuals avoid making errors during the submission process and needing to lodge an amendment, which can sometimes delay the progress of a tax refund. The ATO has confirmed most taxpayers with "simple affairs" will now notice their information has been filled into their accounts to make completing their tax returns easier. Assistant Commissioner Rob Thomson delivered the update to Australians on Thursday, saying they are now "good to go" with lodging their returns. "'Whether you lodge using a registered tax agent or lodge yourself through myTax, pre-fill information will now be available," Mr Thomson said in a statement. Australians have been encouraged to still double check their pre-filled data to make sure there are no mistakes, and no data is missing. "Don't forget that you need to include all sources of income in your tax return," Mr Thomson said. "This includes side-hustles, linked income from providing ride sourcing services or selling services via an app. "Remember, the ATO has 40 industry and occupation specific guides to assist you in what you can claim and what records are required to prove it." Taxpayers should also include any deductions they are entitled to claim, the ATO said. Mr Thomson reminded Aussies to remain vigilant to fraudsters and online scammers, adding the ATO's app now has more safety features to help keep personal data protected. "Fraudsters are getting smarter, but so are the protective features in the app. The ATO app will send you real-time messages when changes are made to your ATO record, and you can quickly lock your account to prevent unauthorised access or fraudulent refunds," he said. "These features provide peace of mind knowing your account is protected and you remain in control of your tax affairs anytime, anywhere." Mr Thomson said most tax return refunds are generally completed within two weeks, with the progress of a return able to be monitored through the ATO's app or myGov services. Australians have until October 31 to send off their returns. Meanwhile, a fresh warning has been issued to Australian businesses contemplating committing acts of GST fraud, falsifying invoices or making dishonest claims. Assistant Commissioner Adam O'Grady revealed disingenuous claims involving false invoicing are on the rise, with the fraud currently prevalent within the property and construction industry. However, Mr O'Grady said there are already signs of this type of tax fraud spreading in other industries, particularly "privately owned and wealthy groups". "Despite warnings from the Serious Financial Crime Taskforce late last year, recent observations show dishonest claims involving false invoicing are growing," he said in a statement. Last year, the ATO revealed its Serious Financial Crimes Taskforce had reported a surge in fraudulent claims for large GST refunds across a number of industries. The ATO said the current trend is not related to a GST fraud scheme previously seen driven through social media, but rather concerns "real businesses creating disingenuous invoices" to obtain higher GST refunds. "While the numbers of businesses involved are relatively small, some are attempting to claim tens of millions of dollars in GST refunds they're not entitled to," Mr O'Grady said. Mr O'Grady said while "most businesses do the right thing", others are making "deliberate attempts to cheat the tax system". "We will not tolerate this fraudulent behaviour deliberately undermining the system or providing an unfair advantage over honest businesses," he said. "Those involved will face consequences, including interest charges, penalties, fines, and where appropriate, prosecution, or referral to the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecution." GST is a tax calculated at a standard rate of 10 per cent on most goods, services and other items sold and consumed in Australia. The tax is paid by the consumer, with the sum then passed on to the government from the business. "GST revenue is vital to Australia's economy, funding essential services delivered by states and territories," Mr O'Grady said, urging businesses and the broader community to help the ATO "stamp out" the illegal behaviour. "Those involved are abusing the system, tarnishing the reputation of the property and construction industry and making it harder for compliant businesses to operate."
The National
6 days ago
- Politics
- The National
Ayman Odeh: The Palestinian-Israeli politician taking on the 'fascist' right
Six months ago, Palestinian-Israeli politician Ayman Odeh wrote of his joy that hostages captured by Hamas would be released in exchange for Palestinian detainees, under a ceasefire deal in Gaza. "Happy about the release of the hostages and prisoners. From here, we must free both peoples from the burden of occupation. We were all born free," his post read. Today, he is still paying the price for what was criticised as an attempt to equate Palestinian and Israeli situations. But despite attempts to attack him politically and physically, he continued to defy his critics. This month, the Knesset – Israel's parliament – failed to pass a motion to impeach him. He was then assaulted at an anti-war, anti-government rally in the city of Ness Ziona. In videos seen by The National taken by Mr Odeh's team, but too offensive to publish, extreme-right protesters were seen banging on the car he was in at the time, making obscene hand gestures and even chanting "death to Arabs". A decision was made he would go ahead and speak at the anti-war rally anyway. After he took to the stage, protesters hurled rocks at Mr Odeh, until it was too unsafe for him. Speaking to The National, Mr Odeh described his attempted impeachment as "an important battle with a success against fascists". But he says there are attempts by the extreme far right in Israel to "alter the Palestinian-Israeli identity". "They want us to be Arabs, without being Palestinians who believe in our nationalist cause. And Israelis, without having the same civil liberties as a Jewish citizen," he said. "That's why they were triggered by my post." Mr Odeh believes he is not being targeted but being used as a "means to an end". During the Israeli war with Iran, he said, the main topics being discussed were Iran and efforts to impeach him. "When they asked [a member of the Knesset] why I'm on the list of topics, he said it's because I'm considered the 'eighth war front'. "They want to wage a war on Palestinians." The Legal Centre for Arab Minority Rights in Israel (Adalah) worked closely with Mr Odeh. Speaking to The National, Adalah public relations specialist Moatasem Zedan said some of the organisation's efforts included sending messages to officials urging them to hold Mr Odeh's suspected attackers accountable. He said in many cases the legal process is not followed where it should be, despite the suspects being known. "This is unusual but not unexpected," he said. "Mr Odeh is the target of an incitement campaign against him." But the case of the Palestinian-Israeli politician is a symptom in a wider problem. "The assault on Ayman Odeh is not a separate issue from what Palestinians in Israel experience," he said. Violence against Palestinians in Israeli communities is being seen on a daily basis in the form of assaults on Palestinian labourers, for example, Mr Zedan said. "We also see policy brutality, including humiliating searches - which is part of a campaign that weaponises law as a tool for vengeance," he said. Ceasefire push With the Knesset now in a summer break for two months, and inter-coalition disputes at bay, the time is ripe for a ceasefire to be reached in Gaza, Mr Odeh said. Additionally, with US special envoy Steve Witkoff en route to the region while talks between Hamas and Israel take place in Doha, hopes for an imminent ceasefire are high. But Mr Odeh does not believe that a permanent end to the war in Gaza will be seen under the current Israeli government. He, along with many members of the opposition in Israel, believe that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is intentionally prolonging the war in Gaza for his own personal political gains, as he battles a court case against him that has been postponed repeatedly for security-related circumstances. "October 7 gave the right, the best excuse to change the geostrategic realities of the Palestinian cause. But when the war is over, there will still be 7.5 million Palestinians between the river and the sea," Mr Odeh said.
India Today
7 days ago
- Business
- India Today
Kirron Kher gets Rs 12 lakh notice over unpaid fee for government house in Chandigarh
The Chandigarh Administration has issued a notice to former BJP MP Kirron Kher over outstanding license fees amounting to nearly Rs 13 lakh for a government house allotted to her in Sector to officials, the Assistant Controller (F&A) Rents sent the notice on June 24, 2025, to Kher's residence at Kothi No. 65, Sector 8-A. The notice directs her to clear the dues at the earliest, warning that a 12% interest will be levied on the total outstanding amount if the payment is delayed administration has demanded a total of Rs 12,76,418 from the BJP leader. The dues pertain to the license fee (rent) and penalties for the government accommodation T-6/23 in Sector 7. Officials said the penalty component includes fines of up to 100% and even 200% on certain unpaid segments. The development has raised questions around the prolonged occupancy and payment default by the former Member of Parliament. As of now, there has been no official response from Kher or her office regarding the to the notice, the licence fee due stood at Rs 5,725 from July 2023 to October 5, 2024, while the "unauthorised" occupation of the residential accommodation from October 6, 2024, to January 5, 2025, attracted a 100 per cent penalty amounting to Rs 3.64 January 6 to April 12 (the official date to vacate the premises), a 200 per cent penalty was imposed, which adds up to Rs 8.20 office of the Assistant Controller (Finance and Controller) Rents also added additional interest and miscellaneous charges, including Rs 26,106 and Rs 59,680 as 12 per cent annual interest till April two-time MP has been asked to pay the amount either via a demand draft or bank transfer.- EndsTrending Reel IN THIS STORY#Punjab
