Snowstorm blankets Holy Land

Jerusalem glistens in a fresh coat of snow.

The worst snowstorm in 20 years brought the city to a standstill on Thursday.

Views across the historic Old City showed landmark sites like the Dome of the Rock under a blanket of snow.

Most people stayed indoors during the unusual weather, but some saw it as an opportunity for fun.

Israeli President Shimon Peres made a snowman at his home in Jerusalem.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) ISRAELI PRESIDENT SHIMON PERES SAYING:

"Whatever happens in Jerusalem is a blessing. This time is a blessing in white."

In the West Bank city of Ramallah, residents had a playfull snowball fight in Arafat Square.

Across the West Bank, rooftops and streets were covered in snow as bulldozers worked to clear the roads.

Palestinians in Bethlehem planted a flag in a snowman they built in front of the Church of the Nativity.

Forecasters were predicting more regular weather later in the week.