The light rail tracks on Jaffa Road in central Jerusalem during the sandstorm across Israel. (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90) (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)
Jerusalem dust

Dust and sand have covered Israel, creating an unusual yellowish tinge in the air. 

Israel woke up Tuesday morning to discover that the country was blanketed by dust and sand and that the skies had attained an eerie yellowish haze.

The blanket of dust was accompanied by a heat wave, making being outdoors very uncomfortable.

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A man sits near Damascus Gate walk in Jerusalem Old City as a sand storm hit across Israel. (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)

An unseasonable sandstorm hit Lebanon and Syria as well, reducing visibility and sending dozens to hospitals with breathing difficulties. This desert phenomenon has also affected Israel, which is situated to the south of these countries.

Israeli officials from the Environmental Protection Ministry warned of high air pollution and the accompanying health hazards, advising people to stay indoors.

Israelis are accustomed to sandstorms in April emanating from Egypt and Libya, but this is an unusual occurrence.

By: Max Gelber, United with Israel

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