Banksy bust-up: Palestinian man says he was ‘tricked’ into selling artwork

A 33-year-old Gaza man says he was duped into selling a valuable work by British graffiti artist Banksy for less than $200. The popular street artist was said to have put up four murals in Gaza earlier this year, including “Bomb Damage”: a picture of the Greek goddess Niobe erected on the door of the wrecked Dardouna family in northern Gaza. Unaware of the work’s value, Rabie Dardouna said Tuesday he was tricked into selling the door to an eager local artist for just 700 shekels, or about $175. Banksy’s works have been valued as high as hundreds of thousands of dollars.

I did not know that it was this valuable. I heard it can be sold for millions. Now I want the door back.

Rabie Dardouna, who sold his door with a Banksy work for $175

The Gaza artist who bought the door, Belal Khaled, said he did not mean to trick anyone. He said he just wanted to protect the painting and had no intention of profiting. He said he has been in touch with Banksy’s representatives, hoping to get a clearance to showcase the mural in Gaza art exhibits. Other Banksy works spotted in Gaza after the mystery visit were a mural of a playful kitten and of children swinging from a military watchtower.

Arts Banksy