GAZA, Aug. 23 (Xinhuanet) -- A senior Palestinian official revealed on Tuesday that Israel is supposed to hand over all evacuated Gaza settlements to the Palestinian National Authority (PNA) by the beginning of October.

    Chief Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat said he hoped that the Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip would be followed by more positive steps towards achieving fair peace in the region.

    He added that the Palestinian officials have been talking with Israeli side to prevent the Gaza Strip from being turned into a bigjail after Israel withdraws settlers and soldiers from Gaza. Enditem