GAZA, Nov. 11 – Hamas forces that were deployed across the Gaza Strip on Tuesday quickly crushed any attempt of gathering by supporters of rival Fatah movement who try to commemorate the fourth anniversary of late leader Yasser Arafat.

BAGHDAD (Reuters) – Sunnis and Shi’ites made an emotional reach across the sectarian divide on Tuesday, reopening a Baghdad bridge between the two communities closed since a 2005 stampede, the deadliest incident of the war.

DAMASCUS (Reuters) – Syria prevented a World Food Programme vessel carrying rice for Iraqi refugees from unloading at the country’s main port on Tuesday because, the government said, its cargo failed tests.