World Bulletin/News Desk

An earthquake was felt across the eastern Mediterranean region on Friday night, although no casualties or damage was reported.

The United States Geological Survey's web site said a 5.5 magnitude quake at a depth of 19.8 kilometres (12.3 miles) occurred in the sea between Cyprus and Lebanon at 9:48 p.m.

Israeli web sites reported the quake was felt throughout the country and residents of the Palestinian territories in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip also reported a short sharp shudder but there was no initial word of casualties.