In the UK and international media this morning, the Guardian and BBC online note the UK along with several other EU countries and Gulf states withdrawing their Ambassadors from Damascus along with reports of continued attacks by Syrian forces on civilian populations. The visit of Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov to Syria is also widely reported, with the BBC playing down the chances that the visit will produce any breakthrough. Guardian columnist Saumas Milne warns that Western intervention is likely to escalate the killing. The Daily Mail also covers the Syrian army’s siege of Homs and suggests Prime Minister Cameron intends to push for further EU sanctions. The Financial Times has an editorial assessing the deal on Palestinian unity. The paper also has a comment piece by Mohamed Elbaradei reviewing the year since Hosni Mubarak was deposed. The Financial Times also reviews the lack of press freedom in Turkey. The Independent publishes a series of letters questioning the nature of the Iranian nuclear threat. Richard Burden MP has a letter published in the Guardian responding to the Israeli Embassy’s explanations regarding the issue of juvenile detention of Palestinians.

In the Israeli press there is broad coverage of a general strike that began this morning. The strike will affect banks, government offices, public transport, some schools and health facilities. All the dailies also note MK Zahava Gal-on winning the leadership election of the left-wing Meretz party. Yediot Ahronoth and Ma’ariv also focus on the violence in Syria and note Russia’s support for the Assad regime. Israel Hayom, Haaretz and Jerusalem Post cover the meeting between Foreign Minister Lieberman and US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Yediot Ahronoth and Ma’ariv both report on the continued investigation of alleged inappropriate behaviour inside the Prime Minister’s office.