'Fiercest exchange yet' at Bethlehem's Church of Nativity

Reports from Bethlehem say there has been the fiercest exchange of fire since the stand-off at the Church of the Nativity began.

A BBC reporter at the scene says she saw bullets, flares and what appeared to be smoke bombs fired near the building.

Those inside the church say the Israeli army tried to storm it, but failed.

The Israeli siege is entering its third week.