Nativity tension as Sharon jets out

Israeli prime minister Ariel Sharon is flying to the United States today to lay out his idea of a peace plan.

The move comes as signs that the 33-day seige at the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem may be nearing an end.

One hundred and twenty three Palestinians are believed to be trapped inside the building.

But Bethlehem's Mayor Hanna Nasser said the prolonged standoff between the Israeli army and Palestinian militants could be over in hours.

American, British and EU diplomats have joined the struggle to resolve the standoff.

On Wednesday, the US brokered an end to an Israeli army siege of Arafat's West Bank compound in Ramallah by arranging for six Palestinians wanted by Israel to be put in a Palestinian jail under US and British guard.

Tensions in Bethlehem have remained high and yesterday an army sharpshooter killed a Palestinian security officer in the church.