Beirut, Aug. 10 -- Lebanon's prime minister announced his resignation on Monday in the wake of the Beirut port explosion last week that triggered public fury and mass protests.

In a brief televised speech, Prime Minister Hassan Diab said on Monday that he is taking a step back so he can stand with the people and fight the battle for change alongside them.

He said: "I declare today the resignation of this government. May God protect Lebanon," repeating the last phrase three times.

"Today we are heeding the people and their demands to hold accountable those responsible for a disaster," Diab said in a televised address, blaming a corrupt political class that has ruled Lebanon for more than 30 years for the August 4 explosion.

"They (poli...