Israeli and Palestinian negotiators have renewed efforts to end the five-week armed standoff at Bethlehem's Church of the Nativity. 

Sources close to the discussions say the sides are considering a new deal to release the more than 100 people holed up in the church, except for 13 wanted Palestinian militants, who would remain until a country can be found to take them. 

Five men, including several clerics, emerged from the church to attend the negotiations Wednesday. 

Italy is refusing to take the 13 wanted men, as first proposed, saying it is a matter for the entire European Union to resolve, not Italy alone. Italy said it was never consulted and had questions about the proposal. Jordan also has rejected a request to take the militants. 

The Vatican on Wednesday renewed its plea for an end to the siege at the church, one of Christianity's holiest sites. 

The militants were among about 200 people who took refuge in the church on April 2 when Israeli forces moved into Bethlehem. A number of people have been allowed to leave the besieged compound, while Israeli snipers have killed several others. 

Some information for this report provided by AP and Reuters. 

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