Security was discreet at Cyprus’ main airport today as the island waited for 13 ‘‘Most wanted’’ Palestinian gunmen deported from Israel.

A deal has been reached to end the 38-day standoff at Bethlehem’s Church of the Nativity that would divide among several countries the 13 suspected militants Israel wants deported, an Israeli official said tonight.

Cyprus has criticised Britain's efforts for the release of a Greek Cypriot abducted from within a British military base and imprisoned in the Turkish-occupied north of the island.