RAMALLAH, May 16, 2015 (WAFA) – Israeli forces violent quelling of Palestinian marches marking the 67th anniversary of the Nakba throughout the West Bank and along Gaza border, was a news item that hit front page headlines in Palestinian daily newspapers.

Al-Quds and al-Ayyam reported that marches marking the 67th anniversary of the Nakba Day, Palestinian catastrophe of 1948, were held across the homeland (West Bank and Gaza) as well as in the diaspora, where participants affirmed their commitment to the right to return.

Al-Hayat al-Jadida added that Israeli forces proceeded to quell the marches, firing tear gas, rubber and live bullets at participants, wounding dozens of them.

The three daily newspapers printed different photos for hundreds of Palestinians waving flags of Palestine and taking part in a march that set off from al-Aqsa Mosque Compound in East Jerusalem.

Al-Hayat al-Jadida printed another photo featuring a Palestinian wearing traditional Palestinian costume and holding a traditional key symbolizing Palestinian refugees’ upholding to the right to return.

Al-Quds quoted US President Barack Obama as stating that the prospects of concluding a Palestinian-Israeli peace agreement are distant.

Obama was quoted in al-Hayat al-Jadida as stating that, there is no alternative to the two-state solution to solve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

It further reported that Palestinian and Jordanian sides have reached an agreement on the adoption of a joint mechanism that would help lift the Israeli restrictions on trade.

Highlighting President Mahmoud Abbas’ visit to Italy and Vatican to attend the canonization of two Palestinian 19th century Palestinian nuns, the three dailies reported that Abbas discussed with his Italian counterpart and Italy’s Prime Minister the latest regional developments, namely the deadlocked peace process and intra-Palestinian reconciliation.

He was quoted in al-Quds as stating: “The resumption of negotiations is dependent upon releasing of Palestinian detainees held in Israeli prisons and ending the Israeli occupation by 2017.”

Al-Quds and al-Ayyam reported that a ship has docked at Copenhagen en route to Gaza to break the Israeli siege.

Al-Quds reported that an Israeli company has issued a call for tenders to ‘transfer the ownership’ of some Palestinian sites from Palestinians to Israeli settlers.

Al-Quds and al-Hayat al-Jadida reported that hundreds of Israeli settlers, escorted by Israeli forces, forced their way into Joseph’s Tomb in Nablus and that several Palestinians were wounded during clashes that erupted in the aftermath.

The three dailies also reported that the European Union is seriously considering revoking the nationality of Israeli settlers and implementing a series of sanctions against Israel.

It was further reported that EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Federica Mogherini is scheduled to meet Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on May 20.

Al-Ayyam reported that 20 Palestinians are still receiving medical treatment at Gaza hospitals as a result of the explosion of unexploded F-16 rocket left behind by Israeli army in Beit Lahia.

K.F./T.R.