What the papers say

Journalist Grania McFadden takes a look at Wednesday's morning newspapers.

The escalating violence in the Middle East concerns most of the papers.

The Guardian carries a front page picture of the deserted streets of Ramallah, littered with spent gun shell cases.

It reports on the death of grandmother Weedan Safran, who was shot dead as she left a hospital on her canes.

The Independent calls on international involvement to scale back the conflict which it, along with the Times, believes could spill over into the Arab world, with disastrous consequences for world politics.

It believes there is widespread support in Europe for an end to what it describes as the humiliating treatment of Yassar Arafat who has never seemed more endangered, but never been less dispensable.

Price hike

One of the consequences of the Middle East crisis has been to push up oil prices.

The Daily Mail reports that they have soared to a "six month high", and warns motorists to expect a one pence a litre rise in the price of petrol in coming weeks.

The Irish Independent says petrol prices will rise by five cent a litre in the Republic of Ireland, with further increases expected.

The Daily Telegraph carries a front page picture of the hearse carrying the coffin of the Queen Mother from Windsor to London.

The paper says thousands of people watched it on its final journey.

The most respectful thing to do would be to heed the instructions of the Royal Family, rather than plan any maverick action

Ian Paisley Junior

The Mirror reports on what it describes as a surprising scene at St James' Palace, where only a handful of people turned up to sign the book of condolence for the Queen Mother.

The Independent claims genuine mourners were outnumbered by tourists.

The News Letter leads with a call from Ulster Unionist MP David Burnside for a national day of mourning when the Queen Mother is buried.

He wants schools and workplaces to close, so people can pay their respects.

His appeal is dismissed by the DUP, which claims such gestures are not required to prove one's loyalty.

'Master in sacrifice'

Ian Paisley Junior said the most respectful thing to do would be to heed the instructions of the Royal Family, rather than plan any "maverick" action.

Both Belfast papers condemn the continuing violence in north Belfast.

The News Letter describes it as an "unacceptable stain" on Northern Ireland society, while the Irish News demands a step up in security measures to "safeguard those living and working there".

The papers all celebrate the achievement of National Hunt jockey Tony McCoy, who on Tuesday smashed the 55-year-old record of 269 wins on the flat.

The News Letter praises him for "bringing glory to Northern Ireland", while the Telegraph says "all champions are masters in sacrifice".