Fuel Hike Sparks Protests in Lebanon Amid Economic Strife

Protests erupted in Beirut after Lebanon's Cabinet approved new taxes, increasing fuel prices and funding public pay hikes. Despite Lebanon's significant gold reserves, the country faces ongoing inflation and corruption. Tension over financial and military issues continues amid previous years of political and economic unrest.

Protesters took to the streets of Beirut, blocking major roads after Lebanon's Cabinet imposed new taxes to fund public salary hikes. The taxes included an increase in fuel prices, sparking widespread discontent among citizens already burdened by economic difficulties.

Despite possessing one of the Middle East's largest gold reserves, Lebanon struggles with ongoing inflation and corruption. Economic woes were compounded by approximately $11 billion in damages from the 2024 conflict with Israel and Hezbollah.

In parallel, the Lebanese government is advancing plans to disarm non-state militant groups, which has caused friction with Hezbollah amid continued Israeli strikes. The disarmament efforts follow a US-brokered ceasefire officially ending the recent hostilities in November 2024.

(With inputs from agencies.)