Lebanon Prime Minister Hassan Diab Resigns After Beirut Explosion

More government-related news unfolds in Lebanon following last week’s devastating blast.

Lebanese Prime Minister Hassan Diab has announced his resignation on Monday after the country suffered a heartbreaking explosion that killed 200 people and left 6,000 critically injured. Diab had only been Prime Minister since last October, taking office after his predecessor’s resignation following protests over rising poverty rates and a large decrease in Lebanese currency. Other members of the government decided to resign as well, including three cabinet members and seven parliament officials.

Diab spoke in a televised message, “I declare today the resignation of this government. May God protect Lebanon.” He acknowledged the bombing as a “crime caused by endemic corruption”, and announced his resignation as a way for Lebanese people to “fight the battle for change alongside them.” Before resigning, Diab’s last approach for the explosion was to pass it to the Supreme Judicial Council for further investigation. The resignations follow anti-government protests by citizens, wherein police resorted to violence including the use of tear gas and the firing of live rounds.

New York Daily News reports that the Beirut’s detonation was caused by 2,750 tons of ammonium nitrate, which was stocked improperly despite warnings. The catastrophe has left over 300,000 people homeless.

Celebrities around the globe have expressed their thoughts, opinions, and sadness over Beirut’s disaster. Some have also spread awareness to their millions of followers, encouraging them to donate and educate themselves on the tragedy.