RAMALLAH, July 9, 2017 (WAFA) – News of a possible prisoners‘ swap deal between Israel and Hamas hit the front pages of the three Arabic Palestinian dailies on Sunday.

Al-Ayyam reported on sources within Hamas confirming that a new prisoner exchange deal will soon be reached with Israel. Al-Quds said the deal is expected to include leaders Marwan Bargouti and Ahmad Sa’adat.

Al-Hayat al-Jadida said Israel has denied that there are negotiations with Hamas over any prisoner swap.

Al-Quds reported that Israeli forces raided the village of Beit Rima, northwest of Ramallah, in the occupied West Bank, and fired tear gas canisters at the direction of homes, resulting in many suffocation cases.

The official trip of President Mahmoud Abbas, in particular his arrival in Cairo and subsequent meetings, was covered by the three dailies.

Al-Hayat al-Jadida reported on Abbas saying during his meeting with the Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sameh Shukri that Palestine stands with Egypt in its war against terror.

Al-Ayyam and al-Quds said Abbas is set to meet with Egyptian officials as well as with the Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi to discuss the latest developments.

The three dailies said Abbas praised the decision of the Mennonite Church USA to sell off its holdings from companies that profit from the Israeli occupation and the violation of Palestinians’ rights. The resolution was approved by 98% of delegates at the church’s convention on Thursday.

Al-Quds said Israel released the body of Muhannad Abu Safaqa, who was shot dead by Israeli police after allegedly carrying out a stabbing in the city of Netanya more than a month ago. He was laid to rest in the city of Tulkarm.

According to al-Ayyam, Tariq Rishmawi, the government‘s spokesperson, said the main reason for the aggravated situation in the Gaza Strip is Hamas’ lack of cooperation with Abbas’ initiative to end the division.

Al-Ayyam and al-Quds said Hamas is going to intensify security measures on its borders with Egypt.

K.T/M.H