In the hotel he founded in the West Bank town of Bethlehem, Banksy recreated a nativity scene evoking the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.

Dubbed "Scar of Bethlehem", the display features a miniature Jesus, Mary and Joseph under a rendition of Israel's concrete West Bank barrier punctured by bullet holes, the largest of which resembles a star over the manger.

The display is exhibited in The Walled Off Hotel, which abuts the real barrier, and which Banksy opened in 2017.

"Christmas is known for the Star of Bethlehem, that led people to the birthplace of Jesus," said hotel manager Wisam Salsa. "You see there is a scar, there is a hole on the wall that marks the wall and the life in Bethlehem how it is today."

In the center of Bethlehem, which is revered as the birthplace of Jesus, pilgrims and tourists from all over the world were flocking to Manger Square in the build-up to Christmas on 25 December.