The Independent this morning previews the meeting of the European Union (EU) Foreign Affairs Council yesterday in Brussels which issued a statement late yesterday expressing “dismay” at recent plans announced by Israel’s government for construction in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, especially in the area known as E1. However, the forum of EU foreign ministers refrained from taking any practical measures against Israel in response to the announcement. The Independent also includes a feature on Beduin residents living in the E1 area who would potentially be evicted should construction eventually begin there.

Meanwhile, the Times reports that the Palestinian Authority (PA), which is dominated by the Fatah faction, has given permission for celebrations to mark the twenty fifth anniversary of Hamas, to take place in areas of the West Bank which it controls. The report suggests that this is an indication of progress being made towards Fatah-Hamas reconciliation, with the two groups having been fierce rivals since 2007. Writing in the Telegraph online, Matt Hill argues that allowing Hamas to simply govern in Gaza could encourage pragmatic elements of the organisation to build relationships with more moderate influences in the region.

The Guardian this morning reports that the Austrian capital Vienna has become a hotbed of covert intelligence activity, as secret services compete for information regarding Iran’s nuclear programme via the International Atomic Energy Agency, which is housed in the city. The Guardian also claims that Israeli intelligence recently leaked a potentially forged document outlining Iranian atomic plans in an attempt to intensify international pressure on Tehran.

The online editions of the Guardian and the Times report that Egypt’s president Mohammed Mursi has granted the military the power to arrest civilians ahead of a referendum on the country’s controversial draft constitution, set for Saturday. Opposition leaders have pledged to continue their protests although it remains unclear whether they will encourage participation in the referendum or not.

The conflict in Syria continues to feature prominently. The Independent claims that an international coalition, including the UK, is planning to provide military training and possible air and naval support to Syrian opposition forces seeking to depose President Assad. Meanwhile, the Telegraph online reports that Syrian opposition fighters are pledging allegiance to a faction within their ranks that the United States is set to designate as a terrorist group. The Financial Times reports that there is doubt over the strength of United States intelligence warnings that Assad’s regime is preparing to use chemical weapons.

In the Israeli media this morning, both Yediot Ahronot and Maariv lead with the ongoing nurses’ strike, which is now in its second week. Maariv, Haaretz and Israel Hayom all report that nurses will today walk out of hospital wards, having protested for more than a week against low salaries and lack of manpower, while Yediot Ahronot focuses on claims by the nurses union that the Finance Ministry is lying over wages.

Meanwhile, Israel Hayom and Makor Rishon lead with the statement released yesterday by EU foreign ministers which criticised plans recently announced by Israel’s government for construction in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused world bodies, which criticise Israeli construction plans but refrain from condemning Palestinian incitement against Israel of applying a double standard. Yediot Ahronot reports that Israeli diplomats worked hard to tone down the EU statement.

The appointment of Maj. Gen. Gadi Eizenkot as Deputy Chief of Staff is also widely reported. Israel Radio News says that Chief of Staff Benny Gantz will today explain the important timing of the appointment to the Attorney General, who expressed concern at the move during an election period. Meanwhile, Maariv calls Eizenkot’s appointment the “opening shot” in the race to become the next chief of staff.