The online editions of the Telegraph and Financial Times both report that Israel and Turkey are poised to restore ties following a five-year hiatus. In 2010, the previously warm relationship between the two countries deteriorated and diplomatic relations were ceded after the deaths of ten Turkish citizens who were killed whilst trying to prevent Israeli commandos taking over a Gaza-bound protest ship, the Mavi Marmara. However, following secret meetings reportedly took place this week, ambassadors will be returned and Turkey will drop cases against Israeli soldiers involved in the raid. Meanwhile, talks will begin over Israel supplying Turkey with natural gas, as Turkey’s relations with current supplier Russia are at a low point.

The Financial Times online also reports that left-wing Israeli politicians and activists are warning against the danger of incitement against human rights and civil society groups. It follows an inflammatory video campaign by the right-wing pressure group Im Tirzu, which described such groups as “foreign agents” who help facilitate terror. Veiled threats were also made online against Israel’s President Reuven Rivlin after he appeared at a conference which was also attended by Breaking the Silence, a controversial pressure group which provides a platform for complaints against the IDF by former soldiers and publicizes them both in Israel and abroad.

The Independent online reports that Kuwait Airlines has ended its London to New York route, so as not to sell seats to Israeli travellers.

The Guardian online includes an interview with Bethlehem Mayor Vera Baboun, who emphasises the city’s universal message of hope at this time of year, despite the current violence in the region and complex political reality.

The Guardian, Times and the online edition of the Financial Times all cover the publication yesterday of a long-awaited report on the presence of the Muslim Brotherhood in Britain, in particular documenting its influence on Muslim bodies and campus groups. It also acknowledged the group’s support for terror group Hamas. Prime Minister David Cameron described activists in the UK as possible extremists and that “aspects” of their work are “contrary to our values.” He said that a close eye should be placed on their activities, but stopped short of banning the group, a measure which Melanie Phillips calls for in the Times.

The Guardian says that the United States could begin to lift some sanctions on Iran as early as next month after US Secretary of State John Kerry said that Tehran is fulfilling July’s nuclear agreement in a “transparent” and “verifiable” manner.

The online editions of the Guardian and Telegraph both report that Israeli supermodel Bar Refaeli is being investigated in Israel over possible tax evasion.

In the Israeli media, the top story in Israel Hayom and also covered prominently by Maariv and Haaretz, is the apparent agreement reached between Israel and Turkey to restore ties. However, an unnamed Israeli official is quoted by Maariv adding a note of caution, saying, “Until the agreement is signed, we will not have resumed normal relations.  We are talking about Turkey, with which we have a history of mutual suspicion.”

Israel Radio news says that the Association for Civil Rights in Israel (ACRI) has called for the Justice Ministry to investigate complaints by Jewish Israelis suspected of carrying out an arson attack which killed members of a Palestinian family in Duma, who claim that they have been mistreated by Shin Bet investigators using illegal methods of interrogation. The Shin Bet yesterday said that its activities are conducted according to the law and since the arrests were made, there have been efforts to slander the organisation.

Meanwhile, both Haaretz and Israel Hayom focus on the growing number of allegations against Minister Silvan Shalom of sexual impropriety. Following the claim earlier this week by one woman that Shalom forced sexual contact upon her, up to six more women have now said that they too were the victim of similar behaviour. Shalom, who has previously faced similar allegations, denies all wrongdoing.