Palestinian Arab Idol victor Mohammed Assaf's final winning moment

"Congratulations, Assaf! You've made Gaza and Palestine lift their heads up high," crowed 14-year-old Diana Shams as a young Gazan singer won the popular Arab Idol talent show, sparking rapturous celebrations across the occupied territories.

The three finalists (L - R) Palestinian Mohammed Assaf, Syrian Farah Yousef and Egyptian Ahmed Jamal wait for the results as they stand on stage during the Season 2 finale of "Arab Idol" in Zouk Mosbeh area, north of Beirut June 22, 2013. (REUTERS)

(AFP)

The sudden leap to stardom for a refugee from southern Gaza triggered a wave of unrestrained joy among a people more often known for their suffering and troubles.

The announcement late on Saturday of Assaf's historic win over finalists from Syria and Egypt saw tens of thousands of happy Palestinians pouring onto the streets where giant video screens were set up, while cars sounded a fanfare on their horns.

Palestinian contestant Mohammed Assaf (C) performs next to hosts Annabella Hilal (R) and Ahmad Fahmi (L) after winning the "Arab Idol" singing contest in Zouk Mosbeh, north of the Lebanese capital Beirut, early on June 23, 2013.

Jubilant Palestinians took to the streets in their thousands after Mohammed Assaf won the pan-Arab singing contest that has had millions of viewers fixed to their TV screens since March. (AFP) 

Mohammed Assaf (R) is congratulated by Lebanese singer and "Arab Idol" judge Ragheb Alama after winning the singing contest in Zouk Mosbeh, north of the Lebanese capital Beirut, early on June 23, 2013. (AFP)

 Assaf (top) cries of joy as he celebrates after winning the "Arab Idol" singing contest in Zouk Mosbeh, north of the Lebanese. (AFP)

Mohammed Assaf performs. (AFP)

Family and friends of Palestinian singer Mohammad Assaf watch the final of the Arab Idol competition in home Mohammad Assaf in Khan Yunis town in the southern Gaza Strip, 22 June 2013.

Palestinians celebrated in the night from Saturday to Sunday's historic victory of the young singer in Gaza, Mohammed Assaf, became the idol of an entire people and their cause, and the most famous competition in the Arab talent show "Arab Idol". in a TV talent contest in Beirut.

This is the first time in which they are shown on the existence of the Palestinians as brightly in this kind of artistic expression which aroused unprecedented interest in the Palestinian territories. AFP

People celebrate Palestinian singer Mohammed Assaf winning "Arab Idol" in Gaza city  on June 22, 2013.

The family and friends of Palestinian singer Mohammad Assaf celebrate after he won the final of the Arab Idol competition in home Mohammad Assaf in Khan Yunis town in the southern Gaza Strip, 22 June 2013.

Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.