Palestinians celebrate Mohammed Assaf's Arab Idol triumph
Singer's performances have made him a symbol of hope and unity in the West Bank and Gaza
Celebrations in Ramallah after Mohammed Assaf won Arab Idol. Photograph: Abbas Momani/AFP/Getty Images
For once, Palestinians had something to celebrate. When the golden boy from Gaza was announced as winner of Arab Idol, the West Bank and Gaza erupted in fireworks, piercing whistles, deafening chants, impromptu dancing and tears of joy.
Mohammed Assaf performs after winning Arab Idol. Photograph: Anwar Amro/AFP/Getty Images