Xinhua Middle East news summary at 2200 GMT, Dec. 12

GAZA -- Israeli airstrikes killed two Palestinians riding a motorbike in northern Gaza Strip, local sources said on Tuesday.

Eyewitnesses and paramedics said an Israeli missile hit a motorbike, killing two riders, which Israeli army spokesman has denied. (Gaza-Israel-Airstrikes)

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TEHRAN -- The earthquake measuring 6.2 magnitude on the Richter Scale, which shook Hojadk city in Iran's Kerman Province on Tuesday, has so far injured 18 people, official IRNA news agency reported.

Following the tremor, people rushed out of their homes and business centers show panic at the moment. (Iran-Update-Quake)

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DAMASCUS -- The Syrian warplanes heavily struck rebel positions in the northwestern province of Idlib, the key stronghold of various rebel groups in the war-torn country, a monitor group reported on Tuesday.

The airstrikes have intensified over the past 24 hours against the positions of several rebel groups, including the Levant Liberation Committee, previously known as the al-Qaida-linked Nusra Front. (Syria-Rebel)

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ISTANBUL -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan met on Tuesday with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Istanbul, one day before Islamic leaders meet in the city over how to respond to the U.S. recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital.

The closed-door meeting lasted for one hour, and no statement was made thereafter, Turkish media said. (Turkey-Palestine-Meeting) Enditem