An Israeli security guard shot dead a Palestinian teenager today during a protest against Israel’s West Bank separation barrier, police said.

Israel expects two-thirds of the 9,000 settlers in the Gaza Strip and four West Bank settlements due for evacuation to leave before troops arrive to clear the settlements, a senior Israeli official said today.

Jewish settlements earmarked for evacuation have shown marked population growth, according to Interior Ministry figures released yesterday, and settlers said supporters are moving to these communities to strengthen them ahead of the planned withdrawal.