Protesters and Police Clash Outside US Embassy in Beirut

Lebanese security forces clashed with protesters near the United States embassy in Beirut on Sunday over President Donald Trump's recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital, CNN reports.

Hundreds of protesters and dozens of riot police gathered in front of the entrance leading to the heavily fortified embassy. Some youths in the crowd threw stones toward the gate leading to the US embassy.

Despite calls to keep the demonstration peaceful, clashes broke out as crowds threw plastic water bottles, stones and sticks at the police.
Lebanese security forces on the scene responded with tear gas and water cannons, as demonstrators lit a large garbage can and car tires on fire. One American flag was burned.

At least five protesters affected by tear gas were carried away from the scene.
Protesters told CNN they condemned Trump's steps on Jerusalem's status, and said they were angry at the "impotence" of Arab leaders in the wake of the controversial decision.

"Sheep who are the Arab leaders betrayed Jerusalem years ago," Mustafa, a Syrian demonstrator, told CNN.
The demonstration outside the embassy comes as Lebanese group Hezbollah plans to hold a demonstration Monday in the Beirut suburbs to condemn Trump's decision.

Trump's move Wednesday to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and commit to moving the US embassy to the holy city has prompted international condemnation and sparked protests worldwide, from Indonesia and Malaysia, to Iraq, Jordan, Turkey and Egypt.
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