Twenty-six Palestinians have left the Israeli-besieged Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem - the largest single group to emerge from the compound since the standoff began nearly one month ago. 

An Israeli army spokesman says half of the group is members of the Palestinian security forces and the other half, civilians. 

A Franciscan priest escorted the group - including many youths - out of the church one-by-one Tuesday. Each person had his identity checked and was taken into custody and interrogated by the Israeli army about the Palestinian gunmen still inside the church. The evacuation agreement was reached earlier by Palestinian negotiators and Israeli military officials meeting in Bethlehem. Between 180 and 200 people - including about 30 armed militants wanted by Israel - are still in the church. 

Israel has said the civilians have been held hostage by the militants. The Palestinians deny that anyone is being held against their will. 

Some information for this report provided by AFP.

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