Kissufim, July 13, SPA -- Israeli Prime Minister ArielSharon ordered the Gaza Strip settlements and foursettlements in the northern West Bank closed to allnonresidents on Wednesday to keep out protesters opposed toIsrael's planned withdrawal from the communities. Israeli soldiers set up a roadblock Wednesday morning andbegan turning away all those without residence permits, The Associated Press reported. Sharon met with Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz, PublicSecurity Minister Gideon Ezra and the heads of varioussecurity forces on Tuesday and they agreed to seal off thecommunities slated for evacuation next month, according toa statement from Sharon's office. The step also gave security forces the authority to removeany nonresidents who are already in the settlements.--SPA1144 Local Time 0844 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/276540