RAMALLAH, Monday, May 18, 2020 (WAFA) – Five new cases of coronavirus discovered in the south of the West Bank yesterday and the new Israeli government that got a vote of confidence from its parliament were the two top front-page stories in the three Palestinian Arabic dailies published today.

Al-Quds continued to highlight the coronavirus disease around the world with over 315,000 deaths and more than 4 million infections and said Israel reported four deaths yesterday from coronavirus and 11 new cases, adding that Israel is contemplating reopening restaurants.

The paper had two stories on the East Jerusalem neighborhood of Silwan, one saying that Israel’s work on a cable car over Silwan is going to start as the construction tools are now in place and that the digs under the area are going to dry up the Silwan canal.

The other story said owners of land in Wadi al-Rabab area of Silwan won an injunction against the Israel Nature Authority and the government Custodian of Absentee Property. It said Israel has been trying for 20 years to seize Wadi al-Rababa land.

Al-Ayyam said Israel closed a non-profit civil society organization operating in East Jerusalem under the pretext it is part of the Palestinian Authority.

It said Israeli settlers cut olive trees in the north of the West Bank.

It said Dutch organizations are against Israeli annexation of Palestinian territory.

Al-Hayat al-Jadida said the Non-Aligned Movement has denounced Israeli annexation plans.

It also said a US Senator has also expressed opposition to the annexation plans.

M.K.