Jerusalem - The Israeli army declared the Gaza Strip's Jewish settlements a closed military zone on Thursday following clashes with ultra-radical Jews resisting the planned pullout from the territory, the army said.

A spokesperson said the measure was temporary and followed violence on Wednesday that involved settlers, security forces and Palestinians.

"The security establishment has information that additional groups of extremists are intending to move to Gaza to carry out acts of provocation and an escalation," she said.

The army said the incidents "have the potential of causing a serious escalation that could effect the entire region".

The military also beefed up its presence in the main Gush Katif settlement bloc after Prime Minister Ariel Sharon said he had ordered "every necessary step" to stop far-right Jews from trying to derail his pullout plan.
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