Palestinian protest in Gaza stopped

Meanwhile, in Gaza , the Palestinian police have broken up a demonstration in protest against the Israeli settlement policy.

The police moved in as the protesters were trying to burn the Israeli flag, and prevented them from approaching an army checkpoint near the Jewish settlement of Netzarim.

A Palestinian legislator who took part in the rally was quoted as saying that Palestinians do not expect much from the talks in Washington and will therefore step up their protests against the Israeli policy.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service