News about the Israeli demolition of Palestinian structures and other violations committed by the Israeli occupation forces and settlers in several areas in the occupied West Bank hit the front pages of the three Palestinian Arabic dailies published today.
Al-Hayat al-Jadida, al-Ayyam and al-Quds said that Israeli forces demolished two under-construction residential rooms in the area of Khirbet Ainoon to the east of the occupied West Bank city of Tubas and in the village of Beit Dajan, east of the northern West Bank city of Nablus, the Israeli occupation forces demolished two Palestinian-owned houses that were in the construction stage under the pretext of construction without a permit.
The papers also said that a number of Palestinians suffocated during clashes that broke out with Israeli forces in the town Azzoun to the east of Qalqilia. Israeli forces closed the iron gate erected at the town’s main entrance as settlers gathered there, provoking clashes with residents. A Palestine TV crew was also attacked and injured by Israeli settlers who blocked the road.
They reported that Israeli forces embarked on opening a settlers-only road on Palestinian land in the village of Wadi Fukin to the west of Bethlehem.
Al-Hayat al-Jadida reported a statement by Minister of Justice Muhammad Shalaldeh who said that the forcible displacement of citizens by the occupying Power, Israel, in Masafer Yatta, south of Hebron, and the approval of the demolition of 12 villages there, is a war crime against humanity, and legal and criminal accountability applies to it.
Al-Ayyam said the Israeli municipality of West Jerusalem approved the construction of 1600 housing units in the illegal settlements in the French Hill area of the occupied city.
It said that the Palestinian factions in Gaza are on military alert as Israel prepares for month-long military drills.
It said Israel agreed to a Jordanian request to increase the number of guards employed by the Waqf department at Al-Aqsa Mosque.
It also said that Israel detained 781 Palestinians and banned 223 people from entering Al-Aqsa Mosque during the holy Muslim fasting month of Ramadan.
Al-Quds quoted the World Bank saying that the Palestinian Authority is suffering from the accumulation of large arrears and very low international aid.
It quoted the Palestinian Central Council saying that there will be no security, peace, or stability in the region without fulfilling the Palestinian people’s full rights.
Al-Hayat al-Jadida said President Abbas ordered the raising of the Palestinian flag on all government buildings and public places on the 74th anniversary of the Nakba (catastrophe) on May 15.
It quoted Finance Minister Shukri Bishara telling the donor countries that the illegal Israeli deductions from the Palestinian tax revenues make up a third of the government’s annual deficit.
Source: Palestinian News & Info Agency (WAFA)