
Banksy unveils 'modified nativity' scene in Bethlehem
Banksy wants people celebrating Christmas to consider what's happening in present-day Bethlehem.
The elusive street artist's latest work features a "modified nativity" scene: Joseph and Mary kneeling beside Jesus in a manger set beside a monstrous concrete wall.
The wall appears to be pierced by a mortar shell, leaving a mark that resembles a guiding star. Graffitied on the wall are the words "love" and "peace," in English and French.

A new art installation dubbed "Scar of Bethlehem" by the artist Banksy. Credit: Majdi Mohammed/AP
The installation, dubbed "Scar of Bethlehem," was unveiled on Saturday at the Walled Off Hotel in Bethlehem. The artist also announced it on Instagram.
"It is a nativity," the hotel's manager Wissam Salsaa told AFP. "Banksy has his own contribution to Christmas."
"It is a great way to bring up the story of Bethlehem, the Christmas story, in a different way -- to make people think more" of how Israel's military occupation impacts Palestinians.

A visitor takes pictures of a new artwork dubbed "Scar of Bethlehem" by the artist Banksy. Credit: Majdi Mohammed/AP
Banksy opened the Walled Off Hotel in 2017 to draw attention to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The hotel bills itself as having the worst view in the world. Nearly every window opens up to a 30-foot high wall, part of a concrete and fence barrier that snakes hundreds of miles through the West Bank. Israel says the barrier provides protection from attacks. Palestinians say it's a land grab, as much of the barrier is constructed in the Palestinian territory. In 2004, The International Court of Justice at The Hague ruled that the barrier is illegal.
1/12
Banksy has opened a boutique art hotel in Bethlehem. Credit: Dusan Vranic/AP
Each of the hotel's nine rooms and presidential suite includes art by Banksy critiquing Israel's occupation, including its Jewish-only settlements, military checkpoints and extensive surveillance system.
The England-based artist is a longtime critic of Israel. The artist's work can be seen on walls and sides of buildings throughout the Palestinian territories, including Gaza.
"Banksy is trying to be a voice for those that cannot speak," Salsaa said. Banksy "is creating a new model of resistance through art."