Despite the rocket attack into Ashkelon on Wednesday, schools will operate on a regular schedule today.

** The air force targeted three areas in Gaza in retaliation for Katyusha rocket attacks late Wednesday night. Pilots reported direct hits.

** Turkish officials on Thursday morning reported the death toll from the earthquake has climbed to 523.

** Private citizen attorney Yossi Fuchs has petitioned the Supreme Court seeking to block a November 1st 4.7% increase in electric rates. Organizers of the ‘cottage cheese’ protests are calling on Israelis to stop paying their electric bills to pressure the utility monopoly.

10:35: An earthquake measuring 3.5 is reported in SE Turkey, near the Iran Iraq border. There are no immediate reports of injuries.

** Fatah official: Abu Mazen and Khaled Meshal to meet in Egypt in November towards advancing coalition government talks between Hamas and Fatah.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)