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Xinhua Middle East news summary at 2200 GMT, Dec. 7

Xinhua,December 08, 2017 Adjust font size:

ADEN, Yemen -- Forces loyal to Yemen's internationally-backed government militarily advanced on Thursday and seized a Red Sea district from the Shiite Houthi rebels in the western port city of Hodeidah, an army commander told Xinhua.

The government forces covered by airstrikes from the Saudi-led warplanes entered the Khokha district on the Red Sea coast, 122km south of Hodeidah province for the first time since the eruption of the war in the country. (Yemen-Houthi)

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RABAT -- Moroccan Prime Minister Saad Eddine El Othmani said on Thursday that the U.S. recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel has crossed the "red line."

The status quo of the holy city is "a red line that cannot be crossed," El Othmani said during the weekly cabinet meeting, adding that the U.S. decision goes "against resolutions of international legitimacy." (Morocco-Jerusalem-U.S.)

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JERUSALEM -- A tank and an aircraft targeted two military posts in the Gaza Strip, following projectiles that was fired from the northern Gaza Strip and exploded in southern Israel, according to a statement made by Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) on Thursday evening.

The IDF held Hamas responsible for the hostile activity perpetrated against Israel from the Gaza Strip, said the statement. (Israel-Hamas-Gaza)

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JERUSALEM -- Israel is planning to build thousands of new homes in Jerusalem, including some 6,000 apartments in East Jerusalem, following Thursday's announcement by U.S. President Donald Trump that he recognizes Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, according to a report from Israeli Hadashot news.

The report said that the plan is being pushed by Housing and Construction Minister Yoav Galant and includes 14,000 new homes in four different neighborhoods in Israel in total. (Israel-Jerusalem) Enditem