With the Gaza withdrawal appearing inevitable, Jewish settlers are stepping up their protests. Several hundred demonstrators blocked the highway at the entrance to Jerusalem during rush hour, clashing with police and causing nerve wracking traffic jams. Police dragged many protesters away, and about 50 were arrested. In Gaza’s Gush Katif settlement bloc, some 20,000 people demonstrated last night against the withdrawal. “We will stay here as a people who love their land and their nation,” said Effi Eitam, a former Cabinet minister fired by Sharon because of his opposition to the Gaza plan.