In pictures: Bethlehem clean-up

Life is returning to normal in the West Bank town of Bethlehem following the Israeli pull-out.

Inside the Church of the Nativity compound, which was under siege for nearly six weeks, the clean-up has begun.

The church itself has been opening to the public, but has had to close more than once to cope with the crush of curious visitors.

The 39-day siege has clearly taken its toll on the ancient building

The complex is lettered with debris

It all has to be taken outside before the church can be properly cleaned

Sawdust is strewn across the marble floors

Volunteers and priests alike join in with the mopping up

Even the outside of the complex has to be hosed down

From the roof of the complex the fire damage is clearly visible

But Christian leaders are united in thanks for the peaceful end to the stand-off

Similar clean-up operations are going on in nearby streets

Bethlehem's old market place has been completely ransacked