Palestinian Factions Hand Over Weapons in Lebanon's Largest Refugee Camps

Palestinian factions in Lebanon have begun handing over weapons from refugee camps, including the largest camp Ein el-Hilweh and the Beddawi camp, as part of a state-led initiative to disarm non-state groups. This process, which has been slow and complex, follows a deal reached earlier in the year aiming to assert Lebanese state control over arms in Palestinian camps, amid ongoing tensions between Fatah and Islamist factions such as Hamas. Despite logistical challenges, multiple shipments of weapons have been transferred to Lebanese army barracks, with more expected, although some Islamist groups have resisted disarmament. The initiative seeks to stabilize the camps, which face socio-economic hardships and lack Lebanese citizenship rights for their residents. The Lebanese government and Palestinian leadership, including President Mahmoud Abbas, have emphasized the necessity of disarmament to restore state sovereignty and security. However, significant challenges remain, particularly in Ein el-Hilweh, where militant factions still operate and recent clashes have caused casualties.