Palestinian artist Walid Ayyub makes the final touches on a portrait for US Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama at his shop in the West Bank city of Ramallah. Obama stepped into the maelstrom of the Middle East Tuesday, warning the next US president could not just snap his fingers and make peace, as fresh violence rocked the region.(AFP)

Hours before his arrival, a bulldozer went on a rampage near the hotel where he is supposed to stay.

16 people were injured before the driver was shot dead. Obama strongly condemned the attack and said he will always support Israel in confronting terrorism and pursuing lasting peace and security.

(CCTV July 24, 2008)