Despite calming messages, Syria continues military build-up

The main item of Israel-related coverage in the UK media today is an electricity blackout in Gaza over the weekend, following EU-supplied fuel shortage. In other stories, the Guardian and Glasgow Herald note an internal Israeli debate over the fate of Darfur refugees who have made their way to Israel. The Daily Telegraph notes concerns at growing Hamas strength in the West Bank. The paper, along with the Daily Express, has additional pieces on alleged BBC bias in its Mid-East reporting.  The Independent notes statements by leaders of the Shia Mahdi army in southern Iraq that its fighters have trained with Hezbollah. Reuters reports on US plans to train PA Chairman Abbas's Presidential Guard.

Over the weekend, Scotland on Sunday ran an article expressing optimism on chances for progress in the diplomatic process in the Middle East. Reuters on Saturday noted Israeli denials of reports of an offer of amnesty to a number of wanted Fatah members, while BBC Online on Saturday reported on Israel's decision to allow the entry of fuel supplies to Gaza. The Observer reviewed two new books on last year's war in Lebanon. The paper also carried a report from Beirut, and an article on a plan by UK institutions to withdraw hundreds of millions of pounds from firms linked to the manufacture of cluster bombs. On Saturday, BBC Online noted a possible change of American policy regarding the Iranian regional threat.

In the Israeli media today, Ynetnews notes a statement by an Israeli official explaining the need for the extension of UNIFIL's mandate to the Lebanese-Syrian border. Ynetnews also has pieces on the discovery by Egyptian forces of an explosives cache near the border with Gaza, and Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's position a year after the Second Lebanon War.  Haaretz and Maariv note the failure to reinforce Sderot school buildings against Qassam rockets. Haaretz notes the introduction of new surveillance technology to reduce the risk of kidnapping on West Bank roads. The Jerusalem Post, meanwhile, notes Hamas's growing West Bank strength, and reports that Israel may purchase the latest ‘Patriot' anti-missile system.

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