Lebanese Prime Minister Saad al-Hariri announced his resignation from the premiership today, under the pressure of continuous protests for about 13 days, and with the protesters, who cut off several roads, to the resignation of the government.
He added: "I put my resignation under the custody of President Michel Aoun and the Lebanese, no one is bigger than his country, and I pray that God will protect Lebanon."
He also said in a very brief speech: "Our responsibility is to protect Lebanon, prevent the fire from reaching it and promote the economy."
Immediately after his resignation, the demonstrators gathered in downtown Beirut, calling for the resignation of the president.
Before Hariri announced his resignation, demonstrators in Beirut celebrated his resignation, relying on an audio leak that had been circulated regarding Hariri's speech.
The streets and squares of Beirut and other areas from north to south have been crowded since October 17, with a rare and cross-sectarian popular movement against the backdrop of living demands and frustration with political corruption.
Shortly before the prime minister's speech, assailants attacked sticks and stones at the site of the main gathering of protesters in central Beirut, a reference to the country's growing tensions.
Dozens of assailants tore up and burned the tents set up by protesters in Riad al-Solh Square in central Beirut and attacked demonstrators who were still at the scene, while Lebanese media said the attackers were members of Hezbollah and Amal Movement.
The country is paralyzed after 13 days of protests marked by blocking major roads and caused the closure of banks, schools and universities, to demand the overthrow of the entire political class.