All papers cover the chemical weapons attack in Syria yesterday, which according to Syrian opposition activists killed hundreds on the outskirts of Damascus. The Times describes it as the worst chemical weapons attack on civilians since Saddam Hussein gassed Kurds in Iraq 25 years ago. The Times, The Guardian, Independent, BBC News Online, and Telegraph focus on the international alarm over the reported attack that triggered an emergency session of the United Nations Security Council, where there is no guarantee that an agreed approach can be reached. The papers note that Russia, a close ally of Assad, is likely to remain skeptical, especially in the light of repeated denials from Damascus since the news broke.

In The Guardian, Shadow Foreign secretary Douglas Alexander argues in an op-ed that following yesterday’s decision by EU foreign ministers to review arms export licenses and European aid to Egypt the West must not lose legitimacy in the region and must clearly back democracy.

The Independent carries a short piece on the formation by Israel’s internal security services of a new unit to combat Islamic terrorism emanating from Sinai. Israel’s security services believe that there are now at least 15 groups operating in the Sinai, four of which present a risk to Israeli army units on the border into Israel. The Telegraph notes that Palestinian negotiators have threated to sue Israel through UN organisations if it continues to expand settlements – a move that could threaten recently resumed peace talks.  Also in the Telegraph is a piece on the BBC and the row over alleged ‘censorship’ of violinist Nigel Kennedy, after his remarks about the treatment of Palestinians were cut from the television broadcast of a Proms concert. The Independent also includes coverage of the story with several letters to the editor.

In the Israeli press this morning, allegations about the use of chemical weapons in Syria dominate the headlines. Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon confirmed the reports yesterday saying, “Chemical weapons were used yesterday by the regime—and not for the first time.” Ma’ariv interviews a spokesperson for Syrian rebels Abu Adnan. After describing the alleged attack, Abu Adnan urged Israel and the United States to bomb the regime’s stockpiles of weapons.

Israeli commentators take a decidedly grim view of the Western response to the alleged chemical weapons attack in Syria. Eitan Haber in Yedioth Ahronoth, writes: “It is incumbent upon us in Israel to learn the sad lesson of the Syrian story. The world was silent back then, during World War II, and the world will also be silent even if a new doom is upon our doorstep. We are alone.” Ma’ariv’s military affairs commentator Amir Rapaport describes the US reaction as a “disgrace,” and Nadav Eyal writes: “If a chemical attack were indeed carried out in Syria yesterday, responsibility for this strategic failure lies entirely with Obama, Merkel, Hollande, and Cameron.”

Haaretz notes, and is critical of the decision to appoint the outgoing Deputy Mossad Director as Israel’s new National Security Adviser on the basis of his lack of experience. Makor Rishon-Hatzofe notes the decision by EU ministers impose sanctions on exports to Egypt.