Deal reached on Bethlehem siege

Palestinian and Israeli negotiators have reached a deal to resolve the five-week long siege of Bethlehem's Church of the Nativity.

Following 48 hours of intensive talks, Palestinian leaders are said to have agreed to the exile of 13 militants to Italy via Egypt and a further 26 are to be sent to the Gaza Strip.

Two Palestinian officials are currently in the church presenting the proposal to those inside.

If accepted, the militants are expected to be moved later on Tuesday.

Officials have also been sent ahead to Italy and Egypt to prepare the way for the exiles, but it remains unclear when the Israeli siege will be lifted.