Fri May 23 21:10:10 UTC 2025: **Lebanon and Palestinian Factions Launch Disarmament Process in Refugee Camps**
**Beirut, Lebanon** – A joint Lebanese-Palestinian committee has convened to begin a process aimed at disarming Palestinian factions within Lebanon’s refugee camps. The move follows increased international pressure on Lebanon to monopolize arms within the state and a recent visit by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, who stated that the presence of weapons within the camps “hurt Lebanon and the Palestinian cause.”
The Lebanese-Palestinian Dialogue Committee met with Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam on Friday, agreeing to establish a specific timetable for disarmament. The initiative also aims to improve the economic and social rights of Palestinian refugees. A Lebanese government source indicated that disarmament could potentially begin in mid-June.
Under existing agreements, Lebanese authorities do not have control over the 12 official refugee camps, where security is maintained by various Palestinian factions, including Fatah, Hamas, and Palestinian Islamic Jihad.
This initiative is seen by some as part of a broader effort by the Lebanese government to assert its authority over all armed groups within the country, including Hezbollah. However, the success of the disarmament hinges on achieving consensus among the diverse factions within the camps, some of whom remain committed to armed struggle against Israel. Without widespread agreement, continued instability remains a concern.
First Piper 