Israel's cabinet is expected to give the go-ahead to remove Jewish settlers from occupied Gaza, according to Aljazeera's correspondent in Palestine.

Speaking from Ram Allah on Sunday, Walid al-Umari estimated that about 17 ministers would vote for withdrawal, while only five were likely to vote against.

"After the government gets approval, Sharon and Israel's Defence Minister will sign orders for implementation to take effect by 20 July," al-Umari said.

But he also reported that Palestinians were concerned the withdrawal include the re-routing of the illegal separation barrier built on land occupied by Israel.

"They [Palestinians] believe the Apartheid Wall should be set up, if necessary, along the Green Line and not inside their lands.

"The route change would keep some settlements under Israeli authority on their [Palestinian] lands particularly between Bethlehem and Hebron," al-Umari added.

Sharon's plan

Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's plan to remove settlers has been called a possible step towards peace by both Israelis and Palestinians.

However, even if the withdrawal is approved on Sunday, opponents could use a pending budget vote to bring down the government.

Sharon is still trying to juggle allies to back the budget and if he fails by the end of March, new elections must be called.

Further Cabinet votes would also be needed to approve specific settlement evacuations nearer the time.

Israeli media said about 6000 unarmed troops and police would be involved in removing each settlement.

Resistance

Jewish settler leaders have urged non-violent resistance, but security services have said there could still be bloody confrontations.

Concerns that withdrawals might be hampered by Palestinian attacks have receded somewhat since President Mahmud Abbas agreed a ceasefire with Sharon.

Palestinian resistance movements have not formalised the agreement, but are keeping a de facto truce.

But Israel has been accused of violating the ceasefire by killing a 15-year-old boy in Hebron and two other Palestinians allegedly belonging to Palestinian resistance movements.