In Pictures

Snowstorm in the Levant

Army called out to help stranded motorists in Jerusalem as the city is paralysed by heavy snowfall.

Early snow surprised many Israelis and Palestinians as a blustery storm, dubbed Alexa, brought heavy snowfall.

Much of Jerusalem has been locked down by a rare snowstorm, with the mayor calling out the army to help stranded motorists.

Schools were closed for a second day on Friday and most residents appeared to be heeding advice to stay at home.

Snow and freezing temperatures have also hit cities in the occupied West Bank, in addition to Lebanon, Syria and Jordan.

Jerusalem was paralysed by its fiercest snowstorm in years.

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Snow in Jerusalem piled up to around 37 centimetres while outlying areas had much deeper drifts.

Some roads in Jerusalem were blocked and hundreds of stranded travellers were given temporrary shelter.

The Gaza Strip was spared from snow, but hundreds of houses were flooded as it was lashed by torrential rain.

Snow also blanketed most regions of Jordan, blocking highways, causing power cuts across Amman and closing down schools.

Snow and freezing temperatures added to the plight of Syrian refugees living in makeshift camps in Lebanon.

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Snow has also fallen in Syria, where this man was pictured walking through a besieged area in the city of Homs.