Thousands gather near the entrance to the port to mark a week for an explosion that claimed the lives of more than 170 people • Police opened fire with rubber bullets at protesters in front of parliament

• Thousands protest in Beirut // Photo: Reuters

Demonstrations in two hotspots in Beirut tonight (Tuesday) marking a week for an explosion that claimed the lives of more than 171 people in the Lebanese capital and caused enormous damage to the city center. 

The demonstrators held a rally attended by thousands at the entrance to the port of Beirut. The masses lit candles and a stage was set up for artists. The memorial rally did not carry a political tone, although there were calls in condemnation of the president, Michel Aoun, and in condemnation of the Hezbollah organization.

Near the parliament building, not far from the rally, hundreds of protesters clashed with security forces, who responded by firing means to disperse demonstrations and rubber bullets. The demonstrators burned a doll in the form of Lebanese President Michel Aoun. Kol Beirut radio reported that the protesters intend to continue a daily protest near the parliament building despite the resignation of the government yesterday. 

Following the disaster of the explosion in the port of Beirut and against the background of the political protest that broke out in the country - Lebanese Prime Minister Hassan Diab announced his resignation yesterday. Diab added that "the explosion in Beirut is a result of corruption."

Lebanese media announced today the resignation of the government led by Diab. Health Minister Hemed Hassan, a senior figure in the political arm of Hezbollah, confirmed the remarks, saying the government's days were over. Lebanese President Michel Yaron will now have to choose a new candidate to form the government from within the political system in Lebanon.

Earlier it was reported that three ministers had resigned from the government as well as a number of MPs who had announced their resignation from the Lebanese legislature.