The Financial Times online includes a feature on European Union (EU) plans to shortly issue guidelines on the separate consumer labelling of goods from the West Bank. In particular, the article looks at the impact on Israeli date production in the Jordan Valley, a significant export which would likely be subject to the impending regulations. Israeli date producers say that they have already found new markets such as Russia and point out the “absurd” reality that Palestinians purchase their products and alter the packaging to re-sell them to Gulf states. The article also notes that adversely impacting West Bank businesses will also likely hurt Palestinian jobs which rely on them.

The Independent i includes a photograph and caption of a mural the Gaza town of Rafah, depicting a knife-wielding Palestinian in support of the month-long wave of attacks which have killed 12 Israelis.

The Times covers controversy in Israel following reports that Jewish Home’s Agriculture Minister Uri Ariel has proposed the mass deportation of the country’s stray cats.

The Guardian online says that hundreds are expected to demonstrate against the visit to the UK of Egypt’s President al-Sisi, on account of his regime’s human rights record. Al-Sisi is expected to arrive in London tomorrow. A Financial Times editorial says that Prime Minister David Cameron should tell President al-Sisi that “open politics” and a “reinvigorated society” is needed, as the “reversion to the status quo” of military rule only encourages jihadism. Writing in the Guardian, Ian Black describes how Cairo is now back in the “good account books” of the Western world under al-Sisi’s rule, while Roger Boyes in the Times says that moderate Arab states such as Egypt must “find ways to share power” across society in order to survive and flourish.

The Times online reports comments by a spokesperson for Russia’s Foreign Ministry, who said that President Assad’s continuing rule is “absolutely not” a matter of principle, fuelling speculation that Moscow is open to alternative rulers in Syria.

Meanwhile, the Independent i and online editions of the Times and Guardian cover comments made by Iran’s Supreme Ruler Ayatollah Khamenei, who said that the enduring Iranian slogan of “Death to America” is aimed at US policies rather than the American people. However, he warned that America “will not hesitate” to destroy Iran if given the chance. City AM says that Iran’s re-engagement with the global financial system may be complicated by international concerns over Iranian finance which accommodates money laundering and terror financing.

In the Israeli media, Maariv leads with assurances by an EU official that the proposed guidelines for labelling West Bank goods is not a political act, but rather a technical measure. Meanwhile, Israel Radio news quotes another EU official, who said that the date of the guideline’s publication had not yet been determined. Israel’s Deputy Foreign Minister Tzipi Hotovely yesterday warned that the proposed guidelines were unfairly singling out Israel. Meanwhile, opposition leader and Zionist Union head Isaac Herzog addressed the issue with UK Ambassador to Israel David Quarrey, telling him that the guidelines would not advance peace and would simply cost Palestinian jobs in the West Bank.

The top story in Israel Hayom, which is also covered prominently in Haaretz is Supreme Court Vice President Justice Elyakim Rubinstein’s rejection of accusations that the court has been hindering the demolition of terrorists’ homes. The tactic, adopted by the government, is designed as a deterrent towards future would-be terrorists. However, Rubinstein accuses politicians of taking out their frustrations on the court.

Meanwhile, both Maariv and Israel Hayom highlight an expected severe dust and sand storm which is set to hit Israel today, with pollution levels predicted to skyrocket. A similar storm struck Israel in early September and caused significant disruption.