Lebanon initiates disarmament of Palestinian factions in refugee camps

In Beirut, Lebanon, on May 23, 2025, a significant step towards disarmament of Palestinian factions was initiated. A meeting held by the Lebanese-Palestinian Dialogue Committee marked the first formal discussion regarding a plan to remove weapons held by Palestinian groups in Lebanon's refugee camps. Notably, the meeting was attended by Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, who emphasized the need for a clear timetable for the disarmament process. This initiative reflects a broader effort to address security concerns within the refugee camps and improve the living conditions of Palestinian refugees. The background to this decision stems from a previous agreement reached during Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas's visit to Lebanon, where he, along with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, agreed that the Palestinian factions would refrain from using Lebanese territory for attacks against Israel. The aim is to consolidate the weapons held by these factions under the authority of the Lebanese government. The Lebanese-Palestinian Dialogue Committee's announcement confirmed that the removal of weapons is expected to commence within a month following the meeting. Lebanon is home to numerous Palestinian factions, including the Fatah movement and the Hamas group, among others. These factions have been active within twelve refugee camps across the country, which are not governed by Lebanese authorities. Tensions have historically flared within these camps, resulting in clashes that have caused casualties and affected the surrounding areas. In this context, the recent developments highlight the need for a more coordinated approach to manage and control these factions and their armaments. The meeting also indicated a dual approach: not only does the dialogue seek to disarm militant groups, but it also aims to enhance the economic and social rights of Palestinian refugees residing in Lebanon. Many Palestinians are registered with UNRWA, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, but face restrictions in the job market and legal protection, which contributes to their precarious situation. Through these discussions and planned actions, the Lebanese government hopes to create a more stable environment that addresses both security concerns and the long-standing issues of Palestinian refugees in the country.