The Telegraph online reports that US Secretary of State John Kerry yesterday gave his first reaction to the announcement on Sunday by Israel’s Housing Minister that tenders have been issued for the construction of new homes in East Jerusalem and the West Bank. Kerry commented that settlements will not disrupt peace talks between Israel and the Palestinian Authority (PA) that are set to take place in Jerusalem tomorrow and if anything, the announcement underscored the need to resolve issues such as borders and security as quickly as possible. Meanwhile, the Telegraph, Independent i, Evening Standard and Metro all cover the imminent release of twenty six Palestinian prisoners by Israel, as agreed by Israel’s cabinet in order to pave the way for negotiations to resume.

The Guardian includes a feature on the IDF’s Unit 8200, which specializes in high-tech military issues and has become an incubator for the leaders of Israel’s booming high-tech industry. The Independent and its’ sister publication Independent i both publish a feature on the Jerusalem Season of Culture, which it describes as a “cultural melting pot” bringing together the city’s diverse population. The Times and Independent both include a photograph and caption of a heated ultra-Orthodox protest in the city of Beit Shemesh, as they attempt to disrupt housing construction which they believe is taking place at the site of an ancient Jewish burial ground and therefore constitutes a desecration.

The Guardian online says that supporters of ousted Egyptian premier Mohammed Morsi are determined to remain in protest camps in Cairo, despite the Egyptian military’s intention to clear the demonstrators, which could lead to significant violence. The Times reports that senior Muslim Brotherhood leaders who have been imprisoned in extremely basic conditions, remain determined to reject compromise with Egypt’s military rulers.

The Independent online reports that the military leader of the Western-backed Syrian National Coalition, Gen. Idris has boldly visited opposition forces in the port city of Latakia, considered to be the heartland of support for President Assad. Idris’ visit is viewed as an attempt to boost the morale of his troops.

In the Israeli media this morning, Israel Hayom and Israel Radio news report that overnight, the Iron Dome missile defence system successfully intercepted at least one rocket fired at the southern resort city of Eilat from the Sinai Peninsula. The Iron Dome was deployed in Eilat just last month after unrest in Sinai continued to increase and just last week the city’s airport was closed temporarily due to an unspecified security threat.

The imminent release of twenty six Palestinian prisoners ahead of peace talks set for tomorrow continues to be widely covered. It is the top story in Yediot Ahronot, which indicates that the releases could begin late tonight, as reflected in the headline “Under the cover of darkness.” Israel Hayom focuses on the continued objections to the releases from families of those killed by the prisoners set to be freed. Meanwhile, Maariv suggests that the forum of ministers which approved the identities of those being released rejected concerns of the security services over some individuals, in an attempt to “strengthen [PA President] Mahmoud Abbas.” Commenting on the releases, Alex Fishman in Yediot Ahronot calls it part of “a political manoeuvre” in tandem with construction tenders in East Jerusalem and the West Bank designed to keep coalition partners happy and says that it “isn’t the product of leadership or courage.” In the same publication, Yigal Sarna supports the deal, given what he describes as the reality of occupation.