RAMALLAH, September 28, 2011 (WAFA) – Wednesday’s issue of the three Palestinian Arabic newspapers highlighted the Israeli government’s approval of the construction of 1100 new housing units in the settlement of Gilo in East Jerusalem.

Al-Ayyam, al-Quds and al-Hayat al-Jadida reported on their front pages on Israeli blatant defiance of international efforts to resume peace talks between the Palestinians and Israelis, especially after the quartet statement that called on both parties to avoid “provocative actions.”

International condemnation, along with US “disappointment” of the Israeli approval, was also featured on the dailies’ front pages.

The Palestinian cabinet meeting on Tuesday praised President Mahmoud Abbas’ speech at the United Nations General Assembly, which shows Palestinian readiness to statehood, said the cabinet, and condemned Jewish settlers’ continuous attacks against the Palestinians, reported al-Quds in its front page story.

Al-Hayat al-Jadida reported on its front page on the UN Security Council meeting, which referred the Palestinian membership application to the Council’s membership committee.

News on Nigeria’s decision to vote in favor of the Palestinian request for statehood in the Security Council made it to al-Ayyam’s front page. The story also featured Washington’s attempts to urge Security Council member states to take their time in considering the Palestinian bid.

Al-Quds editorial tackled Israel’s approval of the new housing project in Jerusalem, calling the plan to build new 1100 units a “slap on the face” of all peace efforts to resume Palestinian-Israeli negotiations.

The daily stressed that Israel’s expansionist policy is an embarrassment to its allies.

R.Q./M.S.