* Violence at Jerusalem holy site Violence has broken out at Jerusalem’s al-Aqsa mosque after Israeli police moved in to break up crowds of stone-throwing Palestinian protesters.

* EU cautiously optimistic on new PA deal European Union officials said Friday they were cautiously optimistic about a Palestinian Authority power-sharing deal.

* Muted response to Mecca agreement Israel and the United States have reacted with caution to an agreement by Palestinian factions Fatah and Hamas to form a national unity government.

* ‘Border clash was an isolated incident’ A top officer in the Northern Command told The Jerusalem Post Thursday that Hizbullah – as a result of the border flare-up – had readied itself in preparation for additional violence.

* Kosovo independence will open up Pandora’s box – Russia’s Ivanov Russia’s defense minister said granting independence to the Serbian province of Kosovo may set a dangerous precedent.

* Security Minister slams Egypt over arms flow into Gaza Internal Security Minister Avi Dichter said Thursday that Egypt is not doing enough to curb arms smuggling into the Gaza Strip.

* Barroso puts pressure on The Hague over EU constitution European Commission chief Jose Manuel Barroso on Thursday (8 February) urged the Netherlands to start “moving” towards a compromise on the EU constitution.

* Gaza celebrates unity deal Palestinians in Gaza have been celebrating in the streets after Hamas and Fatah leaders signed a power-sharing agreement in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.

* Islamic body urges Israel to stop mosque dig Malaysia, which chairs the Islamic world’s largest grouping, urged Israel on Friday to stop excavations near Jerusalem’s most important holy Islamic site.

* Top cleric: US within Iran’s ‘firing range’ A top Iranian cleric said on Friday the United States was within Iran’s “firing range”.