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BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) -- Israeli authorities have agreed to allow Arab Idol finalist Muhammad Assaf to enter the occupied West Bank, after two years of delays, officials said Friday.

The officials, from the Palestinian Authority's civil affairs ministry, told Ma'an that Assaf will be able to enter the West Bank despite being a resident of the Gaza Strip.

The coordination was the PA's latest effort to facilitate travel for the Palestinian star.

On Thursday, Ma'an learned that the PA was providing Assaf a VIP passport to make it easier for him to enter and exit the Gaza Strip through Egypt.

Thousands of Palestinians turned out Friday in Ramallah to watch Assaf perform on a big screen in a central square. He is a finalist on the popular Arab Idol reality singing show.

The winner is set to be announced Saturday, and Assaf is seen as a strong contender for the award.
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