Palestinians begin leaving Bethlehem church

Palestinian civilians have begun emerging from the Church of the Nativity.

It is expected to be the largest single group to exit the besieged compound since a stand-off began nearly a month ago.

Palestinian negotiator Imad Natche said an agreement was reached during talks with Israeli military officers at the Bethlehem Peace Centre.

A total of 27 Palestinian civilians and a Palestinian policeman are expected to leave, said Natche. Israel's army will verify their identities and then release them.

Rev Ibrahim Faltas, a Franciscan priest, brought the men out of the church and onto Manger Square, one by one.

As they approached Israeli soldiers on the square, the Palestinians held open their jackets to show they were not carrying weapons. The men then boarded an armoured bus.

The stand-off began on April 2 when Israeli troops invaded Bethlehem in search of militants.

About 200 people remain inside, including Palestinian gunmen, policemen and civilians, along with Christian clerics, monks and nuns.