* Hamas faces split over Mecca accords The national unity agreement that was reached last month in Mecca has triggered a behind-the-scenes power struggle in Hamas.

* Saudis spurn Israeli talks stance Saudi Arabia has rejected calls by Israel for changes to be made to a Saudi-led plan for Middle East peace.

* UNESCO: Dig not harming Temple Mt. The UNESCO report on the controversial Antiquities Authority excavation near the Temple Mount has concluded that it is not damaging the holy site.

* Top general: Remarks on gays were ‘personal moral views’ The top U.S. military officer, Gen. Peter Pace, said Tuesday he should have focused more on military policy and less on his own opinion.

* Rice to visit Saudis before Israel US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice may make a stopover in Saudi Arabia before the Arab League summit starts there on March 28.

* EU reopens dialogue with Syrians The European Union’s foreign policy chief has held talks with Syrian leaders in Damascus – the last stop on his three-day tour of the region.

* Israel, Palestinians laud Japanese plan Senior Israeli and Palestinian officials applauded a Japanese plan to promote economic cooperation and development in their region Wednesday.

* World stocks tumble on US fears European stocks have joined a global sell-off, after concerns about the US economy and mortgage industry hurt markets in Asia and dented Wall Street.

* Lieberman slams European hesitation on Iran sanctions Strategic Affairs Minister Avigdor Lieberman lashed out at European leaders on Wednesday for refusing to impose economic sanctions on Iran.

* Shas Proposes Expanded Bill to Outlaw Missionary Activity A record number of Jews converting to Islam last year prompted the Shas Knesset faction Tuesday to propose a bill that would jail missionaries who proselytize to individuals in Israel.