Abbas to Tackle Palestinian Arms Handover on Lebanon Visit

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas is scheduled to visit Lebanon on May 21 and 22, 2025, for high-level discussions focusing on the disarmament of Palestinian factions within the country’s refugee camps. This initiative aligns with Lebanon’s broader objective to consolidate all weapons under state control, as stipulated by United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701.

The Lebanese-Palestinian Dialogue Committee, led by Ambassador Ramez Dimashkieh, has been coordinating efforts to facilitate these discussions. The committee’s strategy emphasizes the need for a joint mechanism that ensures the security and stability of the camps while respecting the rights of Palestinian refugees. This approach seeks to avoid unilateral actions and instead promote a collaborative framework between Lebanese authorities and Palestinian representatives.

The disarmament talks are set against a backdrop of recent tensions in Lebanon’s Palestinian camps. In 2023, the Ein el-Hilweh camp experienced violent clashes between rival factions, resulting in casualties and prompting Lebanese officials to consider military intervention. These incidents have underscored the urgency of addressing the presence of weapons in the camps to prevent further instability.

Lebanon’s Supreme Defence Council has issued warnings to militant groups, including Hamas, against actions that could compromise national security. The council emphasized that any unauthorized military activities from Lebanese territory would be met with the “harshest measures.” This stance reflects Lebanon’s commitment to maintaining sovereignty and preventing the country from becoming a launchpad for regional conflicts.

Abbas’s visit is also expected to address the broader issue of Palestinian unity. He has previously criticized Hamas for actions that he believes undermine the Palestinian cause and has called for the group to relinquish its weapons and integrate into the political framework under the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO). This perspective aligns with efforts to present a unified Palestinian front and reduce internal divisions.

The upcoming meetings in Beirut aim to establish a roadmap for the gradual disarmament of Palestinian factions in Lebanon. By fostering dialogue and cooperation, both Lebanese and Palestinian leaders hope to enhance security, uphold the rule of law, and ensure the well-being of Palestinian refugees residing in Lebanon’s camps.