Israel pounds Gaza

WEST BANK: A fresh sense of urgency clouded international talks on the Middle East set for Friday after Israeli warplanes targeted the Gaza Strip in response to a fatal rocket attack.

In Israel itself meanwhile, thousands of police braced for the possibility of further unrest after imposing restrictions on Friday prayers at Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa mosque compound following unrest in the city.

Palestinian security officials and eyewitnesses said Israeli aircraft hit several targets across the coastal strip in pre-dawn strikes, but there were no reports of serious injuries.

JERUSALEM, Friday, AFP