Israel, Palestinians aim to curb violence as holiday nears

By SAMY MAGDY and JOSEF FEDERMAN
Associated Press

CAIRO (AP) — Israel and the Palestinians have pledged to take a series of steps to lower tensions ahead of a sensitive holiday season. This includes a partial freeze on Israeli settlement activity and an agreement to work together to “curb and counter violence.” But a Palestinian shooting attack that wounded two Israelis in the occupied West Bank on Sunday underscored the tough work that lies ahead in implementing the latest pledges as the Muslim holy month of Ramadan approaches this week. The Israeli and Palestinian delegations met Sunday in Egypt. It was the second time in less than a month, shepherded by regional allies Egypt and Jordan, as well as the United States, in trying to end a year-long spasm of violence.