Attention has turned to the ceasefire negotiations in Cairo. The Independent reports that Israel is seeking to extend the 72-hour ceasefire, but notes that Hamas figures have denied that an extension has been accepted. The Express claims that this extension has already been agreed, and quotes Israel Prime Minister’s spokesman Mark Regev as saying “the most important issue is the issue of demilitarisation.”

Several newspapers carry remarks from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s English press conference yesterday. The Independent reports that Mr Netanyahu defended Israel’s actions, saying “It was justified. It was proportionate.” The FT focuses on Mr Netanyahu’s willingness to work with the Palestinian Authority (PA) in the reconstruction of Gaza and on security issues.

The Telegraph reports on the arrest of Hussam Qawasmeh, suspected of organising and aiding in the kidnap and murder of the three Israeli teenagers on 12 June. The Guardian covers the murder trial of the alleged killers of Mohammed Abu-Khdeir, which began in Jerusalem yesterday.

The Times interviews Abu Laith, a Hamas commander, who boasted that Hamas had even longer-range rockets that they hadn’t yet used and were ready for a return to hostilities.

The Independent and Independent i have local reports from Palestinians returning to their homes in Gaza. The Times reports on a British girl injured in the Gaza conflict. The Daily Mail shares extracts from a Hamas training manual seized by the IDF in Gaza which encourages and praises the use of human shields.

The Daily Star reports that a second minister plans to resign from the Government over the conflict.  The Daily Telegraph claims that this was a reference to Foreign Office Minister Hugo Swire, but quotes him as denying having any such plans.

Several newspapers discuss an arms embargo on Israel. The Guardian, Independent i, Daily Mirror, Metro and Daily Mail all report that former International Development Secretary Andrew Mitchell called for an arms embargo to “be considered”. The Independent i carries a quote from Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg saying the Conservative approach to the Middle East “risks decreasing British influence in the region”, while the Times quotes him as saying there were “serious questions” about arms export licenses. The Times notes that some Labour Friends of Israel members would rebel if asked to vote for an arms embargo, and quotes Anne McGuire as saying Hamas rocket fire can’t mean that “the Israeli government’s hands are tied.” The Independent i reports that a Downing Street spokesperson said that they don’t suspend export licences “lightly”, while the Guardian notes that Number 10 said that Israel has a “legitimate right of self-defence.”

The FT leader discusses the route to a lasting peace in Gaza, recommending demilitarisation of the strip in return for opening borders and an expanded role for the UN, while pointing out the dangers to the Palestinians of signing up to the International Criminal Court.

The Times notes that the Disasters Emergency Committee will broadcast a Gaza appeal on Friday.

The Guardian leads with an interview with Haaretz journalist Gidon Levy, presenting him primarily as a critic of the most recent round of conflict.

A number of comment pieces analyse the conflict and its implications. Peter Oborne in the Telegraph criticises David Cameron’s position on Israel, while Seumas Milne blames the conflict on Western support for Israel since before its creation.

 

The Guardian, Independent, Times, Express and Standard all reports on the ongoing row over the Tricycle theate’s cancellation of the Jewish Film Festival’s booking over Israeli embassy funding. The Guardian notes that the Tricycle tried to vet the Festival’s programme prior to the cancellation.

 

In the Israeli media, Israel Hayom leads on the return to normality in Southern Israel as families return to their homes and begin spending time outdoors again. It also carries a report of UN Ambassador Ron Prosor’s strong words at the United Nations that “the International Community has lost its way.”

Maariv’s Dan Caspit reports on a claimed rift between Benjamin Netanyahu and Finance Minister Yair Lapid. He says that Mr Lapid has opened a backchannel to the US Government, including Secretary of State John Kerry. The article even includes the suggestion that the Prime Ministry might rotate between Lapid and Netanyahu

Haaretz leads on Hamas’s threat to renew rocket fire on Friday, and notes that former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert is to be re-tried on corruption allegations from which he had been previously cleared.

In Yediot Ahronot, Ben-Dror Yemini lambasts the UN for hypocrisy, noting that even UN peacekeepers have killed civilians in their attempts to prevent conflict.