GAZA, Aug. 14 (Xinhuanet) -- A senior Palestinian security officialsaid Sunday that Israel will start handing over the first three Jewish settlements in the Gaza Strip to the Palestinian National Authority (PNA) on Monday.

    Tawfeeq Abu Khousa, spokesman of the Palestinian Interior Ministry, said in a written statement sent to reporters that the three settlements are Morag in the southern Gaza Strip, Kfar Daroumin the central Gaza Strip and Netzarim south of Gaza city.

    Meanwhile, the spokesman said the Palestinian security forces have intensified their presence near the three settlements.

    The Israeli government has already approved the first stage of the withdrawal from the three settlements, Abu Khousa said, adding that hundreds of Palestinian security troops who were trained to take over the settlements have arrived at Rafah town.

    "The trained soldiers and officers were called to be ready to take over any settlement which will be evacuated and handed over tothe Palestinian side," the spokesman said. Enditem