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21:30 GMT
GAZA, Feb 23 (KUNA) -- Palestinian Hamas warned against US Administration's Friday announcement it would move the embassy to Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem next May, considering it a violation of UN resolutions.
Moving the embassy to Jerusalem will "explode the region" in face of Israel, Hamas spokesman Abdullatif Qanoo' said in a statement.
This step, he said, would not grant the Israeli occupation any legitimacy nor change the reality on the ground.
The US State Department announced earlier today plans to open the new US embassy in Jerusalem in May that will coincide with Israel's 70th Independence Day.
The Department Spokesperson Heather Nauert said in a statement that Embassy "will initially be located in the Arnona neighborhood, in a modern building that now houses consular operations of US Consulate General Jerusalem.
The Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu commended the US decision as a "great day" for Israel. (end)
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