Xinhua Middle East news summary at 2200 GMT, Jan. 22

JERUSALEM -- U.S. Vice President Mike Pence addressed the Knesset, Israel's parliament, on Monday, giving a strong pro-Israeli speech and promising the controversial relocation of the U.S. embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem would be completed in less than two years. (U.S.-Israel)

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GAZA -- A general commercial strike has hit the Gaza Strip on Monday to protest over worsening economic conditions and the decade-long Israeli blockade, amid warnings of an imminent economic collapse.

The owners of commercial establishments and local banks closed their businesses after a call by Palestinian private sector to launch a one-day strike to warn against the deteriorating living conditions in the coastal enclave. (Gaza-Israel)

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ANKARA -- Turkey's offensive against U.S.-backed Kurdish militia in northern Syria's Afrin region poses new challenge to its already ailing ties with the United States, said local experts.

The United States is facing yet another diplomatic dilemma in the Middle East, after its NATO partner's decision to launch a military operation against a Kurdish militia, which the Pentagon is openly arming but considered by Ankara as an affiliate of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK). (Turkey-Syria-Afrin)

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BAGHDAD -- The Iraqi President Fuad Masoum Monday ratified the date of the country's general elections on May 12, just hours after the approval of the parliament.

"We have decided that May 12, 2018 will be the date for the elections of the Council of Representatives (Parliament) for its fourth legislative term," Masoum said in a brief statement. (Iraq-Elections) Enditem