Egyptian envoy arrives in Jerusalem to present Gaza ceasefire proposal

In the UK and international media, several papers note the ongoing clashes between Hezbollah and forces allied with the Lebanese government in key areas across Lebanon. The Guardian notes that Egyptian Intelligence Chief Omar Suleiman will arrive in Israel today and present a new proposal for a ceasefire with the Palestinian factions in Gaza. The paper also carries a photo display of fishermen in Gaza and reports that due to the fuel crisis and Israeli naval blockade, fishermen in Gaza are taking strain.

Over the weekend, the Sunday Times carried a piece marking Israel's sixtieth anniversary. All papers noted that Hezbollah clashed with the Lebanese army and took over Muslim neighbourhoods in the capital, Beirut. The Guardian on Saturday led with a piece on the strength of Hezbollah and its takeover of Beirut and the Independent's Robert Fisk on Saturday also covered the Hezbollah-Lebanon situation. Meanwhile, the Independent on Saturday also ran a story on the Hadassah hospital in Israel and its caring and treatment for Palestinian patients. The Guardian on Saturday reported on leaked notes from Saudi Arabia which revealed the country's pragmatic approach towards the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The Financial Times on Sunday noted that major international corporations have pulled out of one of Iran's biggest gas projects as pressure grows on international companies to stop business with Iran.

In the Israeli press, all papers report that Egyptian Intelligence Chief Omar Suleiman will arrive in Israel today and discuss a new proposal for a Gaza ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. Haaretz and the Jerusalem Post report that Defence Minister Ehud Barak over the weekend said that Israel desires and strives towards peace but its defence forces are always ready to face challenges they are presented with. The Jerusalem Post notes that Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Mohammad Ali Hosseini said yesterday that Iran will not consider any proposals from the international community that would require it to halt its uranium enrichment programme. The paper also notes that a Palestinian official said that Hezbollah in Lebanon is doing the same thing that Hamas did in Gaza during its takeover at the beginning of the year. The paper also notes that Israel will resume the supply of fuel to Gaza today. Ynetnews notes that President Shimon Peres told guests at his residence on Sunday that Israel's future will be devoid of missiles. "Hamas may have missiles but it has no future," Peres said.

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