On the fourth night of the Palestine International Music and Dance Festival on Friday, Egyptian singer Mohamed Fouad performed a concert before an enthusiastic crowd.

"You're the greatest civilisation; I couldn't resist participating in this festival," Fouad told the audience. "I'm here to put a smile on your face – a smile I hope lasts for at least one month."

At the Ramallah Palace of Culture's main amphitheatre, Fouad sang a collection of his best-known hits, old and new. Throughout the entire show, the audience ardently sang along with the Egyptian pop star.

Fouad also spoke to the audience, voicing appreciation for their daily sacrifices and dedicating a song to the many heroic Palestinian activists who had lost their lives to the ongoing Israeli occupation.

"Dear martyrs' mothers be happy," he sang. "Your sons did not die in vain."

Fouad went on to express his gratitude for being invited to the festival, vowing that it would not be his last appearance at the annual event.

The 14th of its kind, this year's Palestine International Music and Dance Festival features over 30 dancers and stage performers from across the Arab world and abroad – including some from as far away as Ireland and China – in addition to numerous well-known singers.

Among the Palestinian theatrical troupes performing at the festival this year are the Palestinian Folklore Group and Yalalan. Singer Sanaa Mousa also made an appearance.