Lebanon is moving toward a comprehensive resolution of the issue of Palestinian weapons, building on recent success in disarming factions outside refugee camps and focusing next on arms within the camps. This shift follows decades of contention and recent decisive actions by the Lebanese state, signaling progress in restoring sovereignty and security across its territories.

The resolution of Palestinian weapons outside the camps culminated on December 23, 2023, with the disarmament of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine – General Command (PFLP-GC). The group handed over its long-held bases in the Eastern Lebanon Mountain Range, including key sites in Hoshmash, Deir al-Ghazzal, Sultan Yacoub in Qousaya Valley, and Naameh.

The Lebanese Army took control of the Qousaya base, established in 1982, seizing medium and heavy weapons, ammunition, and military equipment without confrontation. This marked the closure of a file that had remained unresolved since 2006 due to Syria’s military presence in Lebanon, which previously rendered discussions on disarmament impossible.

These actions align with UN Security Council Resolution 1559, which calls for the disarmament of all non-Lebanese armed groups. They were facilitated by significant geopolitical shifts, including the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Syria and the ceasefire agreement between Lebanon and Israel, which mandated the removal of illegal weapons from Lebanese territories.

With weapons outside the camps addressed, Lebanon’s focus has now shifted to arms inside refugee camps, primarily controlled by factions like the PFLP-GC and Fatah al-Intifada, both historically backed by the Assad regime.

Progress on this issue gained momentum following the election of Joseph Aoun as President of Lebanon. In his inaugural address, President Aoun emphasized the importance of asserting state sovereignty over all Lebanese territories. This commitment spurred the Lebanese-Palestinian Dialogue Committee to convene at the Grand Serail with representatives from all Palestinian factions, resulting in the official closure of the weapons issue outside the camps and the initiation of dialogue about arms within them.

Bassel Al-Hassan, head of the Lebanese-Palestinian Dialogue Committee, expressed optimism that the disarmament of weapons within the camps could be completed within a year. He confirmed that security responsibilities would eventually be handed over to the Lebanese Army and security agencies, ensuring state control over all refugee camps.

To prevent disruptions by breakaway factions or security challenges, the Joint Palestinian Action Committee is coordinating efforts to maintain stability. 

Alongside addressing arms, discussions have also focused on improving the living conditions of Palestinian refugees. Topics include granting refugees limited civil rights, such as the ability to work and own property, while adhering to Lebanon’s constitutional rejection of resettlement and reaffirming the refugees’ right to return to their homeland.

Al-Hassan stressed the importance of balancing security with dignity, proposing measures to provide refugees with a decent standard of living without undermining Lebanese sovereignty.

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) remains a critical source of support for Lebanon’s 240,000 Palestinian refugees. Despite funding challenges, UNRWA’s social services continue to operate. However, Al-Hassan emphasized that Lebanon cannot replace the agency in its role.

Although no official deadline has been set, sources suggest that disarmament within the camps could be completed within six months to a year. This timeline reflects a broader strategy that ties the resolution of weapons issues to granting civil rights under state sovereignty.

By addressing both security and humanitarian concerns, Lebanon is making strides toward resolving the decades-old issue of Palestinian arms. With the weapons outside the camps already addressed, the nation is closer than ever to achieving a lasting resolution and restoring full sovereignty across its territories.

This article is an English adaptation of an Arabic piece published by the Central News Agency.