The Lebanese government is set to begin disarming armed Palestinian factions within refugee camps on its territory starting in June. This initiative is seen as a crucial move toward achieving full state control over weapons in the country, according to a spokesperson for the prime minister.
Disarming the Palestinian factions is viewed as a preliminary test before addressing the more significant challenge of disarming Hezbollah, the powerful Iran-backed Lebanese militia. Experts suggest that if the disarmament process proceeds smoothly, it may facilitate efforts to disarm Hezbollah as well.
Historically, the Lebanese state and military have been marginalized in security matters by various armed groups, notably Hezbollah, which possesses military capabilities that exceed those of the Lebanese Armed Forces. Palestinian armed factions have also maintained influence within Lebanon’s overcrowded and impoverished Palestinian refugee camps, which are largely off-limits to the Lebanese army.
In light of recent conflicts that have weakened Iranian-backed militias, including Hezbollah and Hamas, Lebanon's new administration is attempting to curtail Hezbollah's power and reinforce state authority. President Joseph Aoun has committed to disarming both Hezbollah and the Palestinian factions in Lebanon.
A formal agreement was reached between President Aoun and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas to support the disarmament of camps, signaling a united front in addressing weapons control. A joint statement from their meeting emphasized the necessity of ending the era of weapons outside the authority of the Lebanese state.
Hezbollah has engaged in multiple attacks against Israel since the onset of the Gaza conflict in October 2023, leading to significant casualties in Lebanon. Subsequently, many Lebanese citizens have grown increasingly critical of Hezbollah's actions, particularly following the Israeli retaliations that have resulted in over 4,000 Lebanese deaths.
Despite a cease-fire established in November, there have been recent rocket attacks from Palestinian fighters in Lebanon, prompting Israeli retaliation and the arrest of several Palestinian operatives by Lebanese authorities. The cease-fire demands Lebanon to disarm Hezbollah, an objective complicated by the militia's entrenched influence and significant support among Lebanese Shiites.
Approximately 222,000 Palestinian refugees reside in 12 camps across Lebanon, established after being displaced during the 1948 war. These camps have evolved into densely populated neighborhoods, where security is maintained by various Palestinian factions. However, the presence of armed groups has historically led to clashes, resulting in civilian casualties.
The complexity of the disarmament process is compounded by the long-standing history and influence of these groups within the camps. However, international mediators from countries such as Turkey and Qatar may help facilitate the transition.
Ramez Dimashkieh, overseeing a joint Palestinian-Lebanese monitoring committee, noted that while no specific disarmament mechanism has been established, the Lebanese army and security services are expected to take the lead.
Recent developments in neighboring Syria, where Palestinian armed groups faced new challenges following regime changes, further complicate the situation. The new Syrian authorities have begun to arrest members of Palestinian factions, signaling a potential shift in their operational freedoms.
There is a division among Palestinians regarding the role of Syria and Lebanon in resisting Israeli actions, with some advocating for a civilian transformation of the Palestinian community in Lebanon and others urging the continuation of armed resistance.