Photos: "Arab Idol" Mohamed Assaf Gets Hero's Welcome in Gaza

Thousands of Palestinians gathered at the Rafah border with Egypt to very enthusiastically welcome back their own Mohamed Assaf from Cairo. He not only just won " Arab Idol," but overcame impressive odds to become the first Palestinian to win the singing competition, which made headlines internationally.

He was received by both adoring crowds of fellow Palestinians, as well as a number of government officials, a delegation from the Bank of Palestine and representatives of the United Nations' Palestinian refugee body, UNRWA. 

Assaf said in a press conference, "my message is to achieve national unity and end all divisions in the face of occupation." He said he is a son of Palestine and will serve as an ambassador for his homeland. He also said he will continue performing patriotic songs and upholding the Palestinian flag. 

In a dramatic finale episode, Assaf garnered the highest number of votes from viewers in the Middle East, beating out his competitors, Syrian finalist Farah Youssef and Egyptian finalist Ahmed Gamal, winning the title of "Arab Idol" in its second season.