RAMALLAH, Oct. 10 (Xinhuanet) -- Palestinian Foreign Minister Nabil Shaath said on Sunday that officials of the United States, the European Union and Israel will convene later in the day to discuss the ongoing Israeli large-scale offensive in northern Gaza Strip. Israel has been continuing its operations in northern Gaza for 12th consecutive days, killing more than 100 Palestinians and demolishing 60 houses.

    Shaath told reporters that there is a dialogue between American and European officials to coordinate their positions on ending the Israeli operations in northern Gaza.

    He said the Palestinian National Authority (PNA) is following up the meeting with concerns, adding "we hope that this meeting would be the starting point for negotiating a Hudna (ceasefire) with Israel."

    He revealed that the Palestinian side has been repeatedly asking the Israeli side to start ceasefire talks, and the Israeli side "pretended that the Israel is are busy with the Taba bombings and its consequences." Enditem