BBC NEWS | In Pictures | In pictures: Banksy returns to Bethlehem

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Monday, 3 December 2007, 17:45 GMT

In pictures: Banksy returns to Bethlehem

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The British artist Banksy has painted new murals on the West Bank barrier which runs beside Bethlehem.

Banksy mural

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The artist's work famously takes an ironic look at politics. Here, in the town of Jesus's birth, an Israeli soldier examines the ID card of the Christmas donkey.

Banksy mural

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A rat is considered the artist's trademark. Here one of the animals stands close to an Israeli checkpoint with a slingshot, symbol of Palestinian resistance.

Banksy mural

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The artist - who does not give interviews - said through his PR spokeswoman that he hoped the art would "attract tourists to Bethlehem".

Banksy mural

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The murals are part of an exhibition in Bethlehem opening on Monday. Several other international and Palestinian artists are taking part.

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This Banksy exhibit has sparked controversy. This wounded cherub work has been mistakenly identified as Jesus by some, despite denials by Banksy's PR people.

Barrier installation

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This installation is by local Palestinian artist Trash, expressing the frustrations of Palestinians about the barrier.

Banksy mural painted in 2005

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Banksy first used the West Bank barrier as his canvas in 2005. Israel says the structure is a security measure but Palestinians condemn it as a land grab.

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