Beirut: Palestinian factions in Lebanon initiated the process of handing over weapons in refugee camps on Thursday, aligning with a government plan to consolidate arms under state control, as reported by Lebanese authorities. In a statement from Prime Minister Nawaf Salam's office, it was announced that the initial batch of weapons from the Burj al-Barajneh camp in Beirut would be transferred to the Lebanese army.
According to Anadolu Agency, additional weapons handovers are scheduled to occur in the coming weeks in Burj al-Barajneh and other refugee camps. Ramzi Damaschkieh, head of the Lebanese-Palestinian Dialogue Committee, confirmed the ongoing process. Lebanese military vehicles, supported by intelligence personnel, were observed entering the camp to commence the collection of weapons, with a small truck seen transporting the arms.
Maj. Gen. Subhi Abu Arab, the Palestinian National Security chief in Lebanon from the Fatah movement, stated that the handover followed agreements made between President Mahmoud Abbas and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun during their meeting in Beirut on May 21. Abu Arab emphasized the commitment to adhere to decisions issued by their political leadership.
Lebanon's state news agency NNA reported that two small trucks entered the Burj al-Barajneh camp, with one departing with weapons, though the specific types were not disclosed. The agency described the process as unfolding 'calmly and smoothly,' with residents and faction members observing without objection. Army vehicles secured the camp entrances and nearby roads in preparation for continued weapons transfers.
This initiative is part of Lebanon's broader plan to restrict arms possession to the national army by the end of the year, a move that Hezbollah has criticized as politically motivated and influenced by Israeli and US interests. The context of this development includes Israel's military offensive in Lebanon, which began on Oct. 8, 2023, and escalated into a full-scale war by September 2024, resulting in over 4,000 deaths and approximately 17,000 injuries.
A ceasefire was established in November, although Israeli forces have persisted with frequent attacks in southern Lebanon, citing Hezbollah activity as justification. Under the truce, Israel was expected to withdraw completely from southern Lebanon by Jan. 26, but the deadline was extended to Feb. 18 following non-compliance from Tel Aviv. Israel continues to maintain a military presence at five border outposts.