Lebanon's parliament on Thursday approved a two-week state of emergency in Beirut that grants sweeping powers to the army.

Last week's deadly explosion that killed 171 people and wounded 6,500 has reignited street protests demanding the ousting of the entire political elite.

Dozens of demonstrators shouted as lawmakers arrived at parliament to ratify the emergency measure, but protesters were outnumbered by security forces and failed to block the MPs' cars.

Prime Minister Hassan Diab resigned with his Cabinet on Monday but still leads a transitional administration. 

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The President's office had yet to schedule parliamentary consultations to name a new premier.

Parliament speaker Nabih Berri on Thursday called on the authorities "to speed up the process of forming a Cabinet" that can spearhead reforms.

The state of emergency

The state of emergency formally approved by the parliament allows the army to close down assembly points and prohibit gatherings deemed threats to national security.

It also expands the jurisdiction of military courts over civilians, according to the non-government group The Legal Agenda.

The army can also raid homes at any time and place under house arrest anyone engaged in activities considered to threaten security. 

Human Rights Watch said it was "very concerned" that the state of emergency would serve "as a pretext to crack down on protests and snuff out the very legitimate grievances of a large segment of the Lebanese population."

A military official said the now formalized state of emergency would place all security forces under the command of the army, which would oversee the "post-explosion phase."

The official, who asked not to be named because he is not authorized to speak on the issue, stressed that it would not lead to "a crackdown" on civil freedoms.

"We support the right to peaceful protest, even during a state of emergency," he said.

Foreign aid

Lebanon continued to receive on Thursday several aircraft carrying donations to support the country following the explosions that hit Lebanon on August 4. 

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Lebanon received the fourth Emirati aircraft carrying tons of medical equipment, while Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to Lebanon Hamad Al Shamsi said his country will send support for the Lebanese who lost family members and provide aid for the rehabilitation of destroyed houses, LBCI local TV channel reported.

Lebanon's Red Cross Secretary General George Kettaneh assured that partnership between the Lebanese Red Cross and the UAE Red Crescent has been effective for a long time and both are preparing an assessment of the damage to distribute help.

Meanwhile, Lebanon received medical aid from Kuwait, Jordan and the Netherlands which has been ongoing since the second day of the explosions.

Moreover, Algeria sent medical equipment and food products to Lebanon.

Also, the public and private sectors in France have mobilized their support since the second day of the explosions, including medical equipment, food, reconstruction efforts and rescue teams.

Brazil has also sent two aircraft of donations to Lebanon including medical equipment and medicines.

(With input from agencies)