{{Celebrations have erupted across the Palestinian territories at news that a wedding singer from the Gaza Strip has won the Arab Idol talent TV show.}}
Mohammed Assaf, 23, was a virtual unknown until a few weeks ago but has now become a local hero.
The contest, held in the Lebanese capital, Beirut, was watched by millions across the region.
Fireworks were being set off in Gaza City and East Jerusalem as revellers thronged the streets.
Assaf was declared the winner on Saturday evening, a day after he competed in a final against two other singers – Ahmed Jamal from Egypt and Farah Youssef from Syria.
The talent contest has been broadcast on the Beirut-based MBC TV channel since March.
His last solo song, performed on Friday, had a political edge, asking for the Palestinian traditional scarf to be raised and calling for reconciliation.
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