RAMALLAH, May 17, 2012 (WAFA) – The new Palestinian government headed by Prime Minister Salam Fayyad, which was sworn-in in the presence of President Mahmoud Abbas on Wednesday, Dominated Thursday’s issue of the three Palestinian Arabic dailies.

The three papers printed photos of Abbas and a number of officials with the new government which consists of 24 ministers, nine of whom are new.

Al-Quds quoted Abbas saying that the formation of the new government will not affect reconciliation efforts.

Al-Hayat al-Jadida highlighted Abbas affirming that the new government’s goal is to prepare for local elections.

Al-Ayyam reported on Minister of Prisoners Issa Qaraqe that an Israeli prison service Nahshon unit assaulted prisoners in Naqab prison, following the deal reached between the Israel Prison Service and the striking prisoners.

Al-Quds said that hundreds of prisoners were deprived visitation rights for one month as a punishment for striking.

Al-Ayyam focused on a new Israeli law to ban commemorating the Nakba day in Israeli universities and educational institutions.

M.H./M.S.