Snow and ice grip Israel, Jordan and Lebanon

Snowstorms hit Israel, Jordan and Lebanon early this morning. Authorities are urging citizens to stay home as icy streets are blocked, reports the Patria news agency.

In Jerusalem, 25 centimetres of snow fell during this second major blizzard of the winter, Tanjug reports.

Schools are closed today and local buses are unable to operate on their regular schedules. Two main highways leading to Jerusalem, a city whose altitude reaches 795 metres, are closed in both directions. Few vehicles can be seen on the icy streets, except for emergency vehicles and those with four-wheel drive.

According to weather forecasters, snow will continue to fall in Jerusalem throughout the day. The square housing the Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock is covered in icy snow, and Palestinian children are having snowball fights there.

Snow has also blanketed the occupied West Bank, and Palestinian authorities have advised people not to drive or even go outside unless absolutely necessary, suggesting that people stay at home, as reported by AFP.

The army is on standby to assist civilians in the most remote areas. In December, a full metre of snow fell in Jerusalem.

In neighbouring Jordan, most roads are blocked, including those in the capital Amman. Authorities have warned residents not to leave their homes. In Lebanon, snow fell in parts of the country above 200 metres in altitude, and hail fell in Beirut, the Lebanese Meteorological Service announced.