RAMALLAH, February 3, 2018 (WAFA) – The three Palestinian Arabic dailies highlighted on their front page on Saturday US policies in the region, particularly toward the Palestinians and the defunct peace process, as well as the weekly Friday confrontations between Palestinians resisting the Israeli occupation and its forces.
The main front page story in al-Quds highlighted what the paper described as “informed sources” saying that US peace envoy Jason Greenblatt informed European diplomats in Jerusalem few days ago that the “ultimate deal” for a peaceful settlement between the Palestinians and Israel is almost ready.
“The meal is cooking and all that is left is to add a little bit of salt and pepper to it,” the paper quoted Greenblatt saying.
The paper also quoted a US State Department spokesperson saying the US will present its ideas directly to the Palestinians and Israelis “at the right time.”
Al-Ayyam quoted in a report by its Jerusalem correspondent a “senior” US official telling the paper that the US administration did not decide yet on how to present its peace initiative, which is not complete yet.
It said President Mahmoud Abbas is going to address the United Nations Security Council on February 20 when it meets to discuss the Middle East conflict, as announced by the Kuwaiti representative to the Security Council, whose country chair’s this month’s meeting.
Al-Hayat al-Jadida quoted presidential spokesman Nabil Abu Rudeineh responding to US allegations that President Mahmoud Abbas is refusing to return to the negotiating table by describing these statements as “scandalous and irresponsible incitement.”
It also quoted the Palestinian government saying on the same subject that the US official’s statements were “clear and intentional fabrication” of the Palestinian position.
Regarding the weekly Friday confrontations in the West Bank and Gaza Strip against the Israeli occupation, which intensified since the US recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital on December 6, were also highlighted on the front page of the three dailies, which said that dozens of Palestinians were injured from Israeli army gunfire.
The papers said Palestinians in Abu Dis, east of Jerusalem, confronted an Israeli settler and set his car on fire before he was removed unharmed from the area by Israeli soldiers. Al-Ayyam said 26 Palestinians were hurt in the confrontations that ensued against the Israeli soldiers.
Al-Quds said, based on a report in the British the Guardian that Israel is using tourism to turn Jerusalem into a Jewish city and to legalize settlements.
Al-Quds and al-Hayat al-Jadida said the Israeli municipality of West Jerusalem intends to impose huge taxes on church properties and international organizations.
Al-Ayyam quoted the United Nations refugees agency UNRWA saying that it is beginning to feel the impact of the US cut in aid.
It also quoted Turkey denouncing a US decision placing Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh on its terrorists list.
Al-Hayat al-Jadida said triplets born in Gaza were named Al-Quds (Jerusalem), Asema (capital) and Filisteen (Palestine).
M.K.
