MP Nadim Gemayel condemned the fatal shooting of 23-year-old Elio Abu Hanna in Beirut on Sunday, raising concerns over the ongoing presence of armed Palestinian faction checkpoints in the capital.

“We strongly condemn the killing of young man Elio Abu Hanna and express our deep concern over the presence of checkpoints controlled by Palestinian factions in the heart of Beirut, especially after repeated statements about the handover of Palestinian weapons,” Gemayel wrote on X.

“No group has the right to stop citizens or open fire on them. Either there is a State that upholds its authority and sovereignty, or the State remains ‘lost'," he added. 

Abu Hanna, a chemistry graduate, was driving home from Badaro when he inadvertently took a route leading to the entrance of the Shatila refugee camp. There, he encountered a checkpoint operated by Palestinian security forces.

According to family members and friends, Abu Hanna did not stop at the checkpoint, either out of fear or because he did not recognize the armed group. Security personnel reportedly opened fire directly on his vehicle. The car continued for a short distance before colliding with a building and coming to a stop. Abu Hanna was later confirmed dead from his injuries.

Preliminary medical reports indicate he was struck by a fatal bullet. The vehicle bore evidence of dozens of direct gunshots.