RAMALLAH, March 30, 2018 (WAFA) – The massive Great Return March beginning on March 30 and extending through May 15, the anniversary of the Nakba, hit the front page headlines in Palestinian dailies.
Al-Quds reported that Israel has placed its forces on alert to confront the Great Return March as Israeli settlers in settlements located on the periphery of Gaza have left their homes fearing deterioration.
Al-Ayyam reported that the Great Return March will begin today as Israel continues to threaten to repress it.
Al-Quds reported the United Nations (UN) Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights urging Israeli occupation authorities “to respect the right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression” and called on them to abide by their obligations under human rights law.
Al-Hayat al-Jadida reported Fatah Movement hailing the Great Return March as “a victory for President Mahmoud Abbas’ approach and vision about popular peaceful resistance.”
Senior Hamas figure Mousa Abu Marzook was reported in al-Quds revealing that western officials called and advised him to stop the Great Return March.
Moreover, the dailies spotlighted the commemoration of the 42nd anniversary of the Land Day, which marks the day Israeli forces killed six Palestinians during protests against land confiscation in 1976.
Al-Quds reported in this regard that Palestinian factions affirmed their adherence to the Palestinian national constants and the Palestinian people’s right to establish an independent state with East Jerusalem as its capital.
According to al-Ayyam and al-Hayat al-Jadida, a central event would be held today in the northern Israeli district of Galilee to commemorate the 42nd anniversary of the Land Day.
Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah was reported in al-Hayat al-Jadida stating: “The Land Day will continue to remind the world of the Palestinian people’s inalienable just rights.”
Furthermore, al-Quds and al-Ayyam reported that Israeli forces opened fire on four Palestinians to the east of Khan Younes and Gaza, injuring them.
Al-Quds also reported that Israeli forces conducted large-scale detention raids across the West Bank. According to al-Hayat al-Jadida, detainees totaled 24.
Palestinian official condemnations of US ambassador to Tel Aviv David Friedman’s statements that if Abbas refuses to negotiate with Israel, his successor will be more forthcoming.
Secretary-General of the Palestine Liberation Organization’s (PLO) Executive Committee Saeb Erekat was reported in al-Ayyam stating that Friedman represents Israel and defends settlers and settlements.
Presidential spokesperson Nabil Abu Rudeineh described Friedman’s statements as “blatant and unacceptable ]interference in internal Palestinian affairs[” and vowing that the Palestinian people would not allow any foreign party to decide its fate.
In addition, al-Quds said that churches using the Gregorian calendar would celebrate Good Friday today.
It added Knesset member Aida Touma protested Israeli restrictions on Gaza Christians’ access to Jerusalem on Easter.
According to al-Quds and al-Hayat al-Jadida, Palestinians attended the funeral procession of Yasin Saradeeh in Jericho city.
Saradeeh was beaten to death and shot by Israeli forces on February 22 as they were arresting him.
Highlighting Abbas meeting with a delegation from the southern branch of the Islamic Movement in Israel in Ramallah, al-Hayat al-Jadida said Abbas stressed the importance of maintaining communication among Palestinians to coordinate on different challenges.
K.F.
