A 24-hour strike throughout Lebanon on Tuesday (28 August), in protest against rising prices, brought to a halt most major services.

Shops and offices closed, and banks, newspapers, public transport, electricity, water supplies and seaports were all affected by the stoppage, which was precipitated by a call for direct action by the General Federation of Labour, which represents about 100,000 workers in more than 100 trade unions.

The Federation threatened to bring out its members in an indefinite strike from 28 September unless steps were taken immediately by the Government to curb inflation.