* PA fears UN may order all aid workers out of lawless Gaza Palestinian Authority officials on Thursday expressed fear that the United Nations may formally declare the Gaza Strip a dangerous zone.

* UK halts Gulf boarding operations Britain has suspended boarding operations in the Persian Gulf and launched a review into the circumstances that led to 15 military personnel being captured by Iranian forces last month.

* Thousands of Christians gather in J’lem Christian pilgrims from around the world filled the narrow cobblestone streets of Jerusalem’s Old City on Good Friday.

* Russian official: Iran capable of repelling possible U.S. air strike Iran would be able to repel a possible United States air strike using advanced Russian air defense systems.

* Sneh: We’ll remove settlers by April 19 A contentious Hebron home will be evacuated by April 19, Deputy Defense Minister Ephraim Sneh said.

* Jordan’s King to convene parliament on draft nuclear law Jordan’s King Abdullah II has summoned parliament to convene for a special session to vote on bills that include a draft nuclear energy law.

* And Iraq’s big oil contracts go to … Despite claims by some critics that the Bush administration invaded Iraq to take control of its oil, the first contracts with major oil firms from Iraq’s new government are likely to go not to U.S. companies, but rather to companies from China, India, Vietnam, and Indonesia.

* Spectacular Hubble Image Of Barred Spiral Galaxy NGC 1672 The NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope has delivered an unrivalled snapshot of the nearby barred spiral galaxy NGC 1672.

* Iran: US ‘supporting terrorists’ The United States is supporting anti-Iranian groups operating out of Pakistan’s remote border regions, the speaker of Iran’s parliament has said.

* Turkey to block ‘insulting’ Web sites A parliamentary commission approved a proposal Thursday allowing Turkey to block Web sites that are deemed insulting to the founder of modern Turkey.