WASHINGTON [MENL] -- President George Bush has agreed to monitor the Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip and northern West Bank.

U.S. officials said Bush accepted a request from the Palestinian Authority to monitor the Israeli military withdrawal from the Gaza Strip and northern West Bank and the eviction of their 10,000 Jewish residents. Officials said Bush agreed to the PA request during his meeting with PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas on Thursday.

"Abbas is concerned that Israel will use the withdrawal to launch a massive military operation against Hamas and other groups in the Gaza Strip," an official said.

Bush plans to send Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice to Israel to monitor the withdrawal, scheduled for August, and ensure PA coordination. Officials said the president wants to ensure that Israel does not suspend or halt the operation because of heavy resistance from Jewish residents and their supporters.