A clown arrives to entertain Palestinian children during a home-confinement order amid concerns about the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank April 6, 2020. (Photo by Reuters)

Palestinian clowns painted their faces and donned wigs, red noses and one new gimmick - surgical masks - to entertain children in the Israeli-occupied West Bank and Gaza amidst a coronavirus lockdown.

Dozens of smiling children, some holding balloon animals, lined up along the street and peered down from balconies in Hebron�s Old City to take in the clowns� tricks and pranks.

We wanted to come and visit the children, who are staying at home, and motivate them to remain at home to avoid getting sick, said Anas Alnather, 43, a Palestinian clown.

The Palestinian Authority has reported one death and nearly 250 cases of the new coronavirus. Also, 13 cases have been reported in the Gaza Strip. Authorities in both territories have imposed curbs on movement to halt its spread.

In Khan Younis in southern Gaza, vibrant-colored clowns strode through the city�s narrow alleyways, handing out balloons to children and infants peering on from gated windows.

They were accompanied by a man in a head-to-toe dog costume, who performed tricks and gave high-fives to kids.

(Source: Reuters)