NBC News reports:

Lebanon’s government resigned Monday as the fallout from last week’s deadly explosion deepened a political crisis in the country’s blast-ravaged capital.

Prime Minister Hassan Diab said he would resign along with all of his ministers.

“We will back down and stand with the people. We need to open the door for the people,” he said in a televised address to the nation before presenting his resignation to President Michel Aoun.

The move comes after enraged protesters and world leaders alike demanded political reform following the Aug. 4 blast that killed almost 160 people and injured thousands more.

Protesters took to the streets of Beirut again Sunday with video showing what appeared to be tear gas canisters being fired at demonstrators who had congregated in a street near the parliament.

Diab blamed politicians who preceded him for the “earthquake” that has hit Lebanon.

“This disaster which has hit the Lebanese at the core, occurred as a result of chronic corruption in politics, administration and the State,” he said in a televised address.

The former professor said his government had failed in his battle against corruption. [Continue reading…]