RAMALLAH, March 5, 2012 (WAFA) – US President Barack Obama’s reiteration of US support for Israel and claims that Palestinian division is an obstacle to peace tops Monday’s issue of Palestinian Arabic dailies.

Al-Ayyam and al-Hayat al-Jadida’s front page stories reported on Obama’s renewal of US commitment for Israel’s security and threats to “use force” against Iran.

The three papers highlighted the striking prisoner Hana’ Shalabi’s refusal to end her hunger strike despite of an Israeli decision to reduce her sentence by two months.

Al-Hayat al-Jadida printed photos of Palestinians demonstrating in solidarity with Shalabi, who has been on hunger strike for 18 days in a row protesting her administrative detention.

Al-Quds reported on Hamas leaving Syria to Arab countries ruled by the Muslim Brotherhood.

Al-Ayyam featured PLO Executive Committee member Saeb Erekat saying: “[Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin] Netanyahu and Obama can’t ignore the Palestinian issue.”

The dailies reported on Arab and Palestinian renewal of efforts to get nine votes at the United Nations Security Council who support full UN membership for Palestine.

M.H./M.S.