RAMALLAH, April 1, 2017 (WAFA) – World reaction, all of it critical, of the Israeli decision to build a new settlement in the occupied Palestinian territories was the highlight of the three Palestinian Arabic dailies on Saturday.

The papers dedicated most of their front page coverage to this issue with each on stressing the critical Palestinian and world reaction and condemnation of this move.

In addition to this subject, the dailies reported on the weekly Friday anti-settlements, anti-wall protests in several areas around the West Bank and Israeli military crackdown on these protests that left a number of Palestinians injured.

The papers also focused on the fifth Free Movement Palestine Marathon held in Bethlehem. A South African sprinter won the 42 kilometer run.

Another subject highlighted on the front page of the dailies was Saudi Arabia providing the Palestinian Authority with $30 million in budget support.

Al-Ayyam said around 50,000 Muslim worshippers attended the Friday prayer at Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem’s Old City. It said the Friday sermon focused on the dangers facing this Muslim holy site emanating from Jewish fanatics who plan to take it over and turn it into a Jewish temple.

The paper also said the United Nations stopped sending staff to Gaza after Hamas’ decision not to allow anyone to leave Gaza following the assassination of one of its leaders, Mazen Fuqaha, last week.

It also said that the Australian government said that there is no evidence that Hamas was getting any financial support from World Vision, an accusation made by Israel after arresting World Vision’s Gaza director and accusing him of funneling charity money to Hamas.

Al-Quds said, quoting British media, that Palestinians and Israelis are holding secret talks in London.

Al-Hayat al-Jadida printed on its front page the new fuel prices in the Palestinian areas based on the rate provided at the beginning of every month by Israel. There was a slight drop in prices.

M.K.