European Union foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton reacted with caution to the Palestinian reconciliation agreement between Fatah and Hamas.

Friday's demonstrations reportedly have the backing of the outlawed Islamist group, the Muslim Brotherhood, which was crushed by the regime in 1982.

The woman was pregnant with her second child and was visiting Morocco with her Jewish husband for Passover; the couple lived in China, Army Radio reports.

An attempt by the United States and its European allies to condemn Syria in the United Nations Security Council was rebuffed on Wednesday, as the willingness to intervene in the region — strong enough to lead to military action against Libya under similar circumstances just weeks ago — appeared to evaporate.

Speaking with Israel Radio, Defense Minister admits he did not feel Fatah-Hamas reconciliation was likely, adding Palestinians officials did not expect a deal either.

Forging Palestinian unity is regarded as crucial to reviving any prospect for an independent Palestinian state, but Western powers have always refused to deal with Hamas because of its refusal to recognize Israel and renounce violence.

Premier lambastes Abbas' Fatah movement for agreeing to reconciliation deal with rival movement; Abbas: Netanyahu must choose between settlements and peace; Hamas: Israel was an impediment to Palestinian unity.

Rival groups will form interim government and then move toward setting a date for a general election, four years after their government collapsed when Hamas overran the Gaza Strip.

At least 35 have been killed since attack in Daraa began at dawn on Monday; over 2,000 Syrian security police deployed in Damascus suburb of Duma Tuesday, manning road blocks and checking the identity of residents.

Incident prompts emergency Israel Electrical Company meeting; Egyptian security officials say explosion may have occurred following attack by armed gang.