Updated: June 23, 2013, 12:00 AM
In pictures: Jubilant Gaza erupts as Palestinian wins Arab Idol
People celebrate Palestinian singer Mohammed Assaf winning "Arab Idol" in Gaza city on June 22, 2013. The 22-year-old Assaf, from the Gaza Strip, was named the winner of "Arab Idol" in a TV talent contest in Beirut. AFP PHOTO/MOHAMMED ABED *** Local Caption *** 403629-01-08.jpg
Crowds hug each other in gaza City after Mohammed Assaf's wins 'Arab Idol'. AFP Photo/Mahmud Hams
Thousands of Palestinians from the city of Ramallah celebrating the victory in the Arab Idol contestant of Mohammed Assaf from Gaza City in the West Bank city of Ramallah. AFP Photo / Abbas Momani
People watch Palestinian singer Mohammed Assaf as he sings in Beirut during the 'Arab Idol' program, in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip. Reuters/Ibraheem Abu Mustafa
Palestinians watch the result of 'Arab Idol' in the West Bank city of Ramallah. Reuters/Mohamad Torokman
Shadi Assaf prays for his brother Mohammed Assaf to win as he and other family members and friends gather at the family's home in Khan Younis, Gaza. Heidi Levine/Sipa Press
Shadi Assaf (middle) the brother of Mohammed Assaf react with joy with other family members and friends at the family home in a refugee camp Khan Younis, Gaza. Heidi Levine/Sipa Press.
Shadi Assaf (middle) the brother of Mohammed Assaf react with joy with other family members and friends outside the family home in a refugee camp Khan Younis, Gaza. Heidi Levine/Sipa Press.
Palestinians react to the news that Mohammed Assaf is announced the winner of the regional 'Arab Idol' singing contest held in Beirut , Lebanon. Heidi Levine/Sipa Press.
Palestinians react to the news that Mohammed Assaf is announced the winner of the regional 'Arab Idol' singing contest held in Beirut. Heidi Levine/Sipa Press.
Thousands of Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank took to the streets to celebrate the victory. Heidi Levine/Sipa Press.
Palestinians gathered at the Movenpeak Hotel in Gaza City to watch Friday night's 'Arab Idol' song contest. Heidi Levine/Sipa Press.
A shop worker holds a balloon with a picture of Palestinian singer Mohammed Assaf at the Movenpeak Hotel in Gaza City.Heidi Levine/Sipa Press
Palestinians gathered at the Movenpeak Hotel in Gaza City to watch Friday night's 'Arab Idol'. Heidi Levine/Sipa Press.