Heavy snowfall covers Middle East for second day

Occupied Jerusalem: Hilly areas in the West Bank and Occupied Jerusalem were covered in snow for a second day on Thursday following the coldest winter storm in the region.

Many cars stayed off roads due to hazardous driving conditions and some main roads were closed, police said.

Schools and many shops remained closed and streets were largely deserted. Forecasters said the storm was expected to pass later on Thursday.

Heavy snowfall has swept through many countries in the region including Iran, Palestine, Lebanon and Jordan.

In Lebanon, three people were killed by an avalanche in the province of Nabatiyeh on Wednesday.

In the West Bank city of Ramallah, streets were deserted after heavy snow blocked roads.

In Amman, Jordanians pelted snowballs at each other as a heavy snowstorm left motorists stranded and sparked appeals to citizens to remain indoors.