Lebanon has officially launched its plan to disarm Palestinian factions within its refugee camps, signaling a significant policy shift aimed at reinforcing state sovereignty and security. The initiative began with the transfer of weapons from the Burj al-Barajneh camp in Beirut to the Lebanese army, marking the first step in a broader disarmament campaign across the nation.
Key Facts
- The disarmament initiative was officially announced by the Prime Minister’s office, confirming that the transfer of weapons to the Lebanese army has commenced, starting with the Burj al-Barajneh camp.
- This action is part of a larger commitment to disarm all Palestinian groups within Lebanon’s refugee camps, with further handovers expected in the coming weeks.
- The move follows a US-backed truce between Israel and Hezbollah, which necessitates the restriction of weapons to state security forces only.
Background
Palestinian groups have historically exercised control within Lebanon’s 12 refugee camps, often functioning outside the jurisdiction of the Lebanese state. This control has been a source of tension and conflict, given the camps’ status as quasi-autonomous entities. The disarmament campaign is seen as Lebanon’s most concerted effort in recent years to address the proliferation of weapons within these camps and assert state authority.
Timeline / What We Know
The initiative to disarm Palestinian factions in Lebanon was set into motion following a meeting in May between Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. Both leaders agreed on the necessity for Lebanon to exercise full sovereignty over arms within its territory. Subsequent agreements between Lebanese and Palestinian officials established a timeline and mechanism for the weapon handovers, aiming to consolidate all arms under state authority by the year’s end.
Official Reactions
A Fatah official has specified that the weapons surrendered so far were illegal arms recently brought into the camp. Media coverage showed military vehicles in the camp, although the specific types of weapons being handed over were not verified. This disarmament is part of Lebanon’s broader strategy to ensure that only state forces are armed, in line with the agreements made under the recent ceasefire with Israel.
What’s Next
The Lebanese government has tasked the army with developing a comprehensive strategy to ensure all arms are under state control by the end of the year. The ongoing disarmament efforts at Burj al-Barajneh and planned expansions to other camps are pivotal to this strategy. The success of these initiatives will likely influence Lebanon’s internal security and its diplomatic relations, especially concerning compliance with international agreements on arms control.