On May 23, 2025, Lebanon initiated a significant effort to disarm Palestinian factions within its refugee camps, marking a major shift in the country's approach to armed groups. This initiative follows an agreement between Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, stipulating that all non-state weapons inside and outside the camps must be eliminated. The Lebanese-Palestinian Dialogue Committee (LPDC) held its first meeting to establish a timetable and mechanism for disarmament. The plan also aims to improve the economic and social rights of Palestinian refugees. However, challenges remain, as some factions demand civil rights in exchange for disarmament, and doubts persist about the feasibility of the plan and its potential to lead to broader demilitarization in Lebanon.

Lebanon hosts approximately 200,000 Palestinian refugees, many residing in 12 refugee camps that have historically been outside full government control. These camps have often been sites of factional violence and are home to groups such as Fatah, Hamas, and Islamic Jihad. The presence of armed factions within these camps has been a longstanding issue, contributing to internal instability and complicating Lebanon's relations with neighboring Israel.

Established in 2005, the LPDC is an inter-ministerial government body tasked with implementing Lebanon's policies toward Palestinian refugees. Its mandate includes improving the living conditions of Palestinians, addressing the issue of arms inside and outside the camps, and coordinating with various stakeholders, including UNRWA and Palestinian factions. The committee serves as the primary interlocutor between Palestinian refugees and Lebanese state institutions.

On May 21, 2025, Presidents Aoun and Abbas agreed to prevent Palestinian factions from using Lebanon as a base to launch attacks against Israel and committed to removing unauthorized weapons not under Lebanese state control. This agreement aims to uphold Lebanon’s sovereignty and ensure that refugee camps do not serve as safe havens for extremist groups.

The Lebanese government has also issued warnings to groups like Hamas, cautioning against actions that could compromise national security. This move aligns with increasing U.S. pressure on Lebanon to dismantle all armed groups operating outside state control, a condition tied to international aid and support.

While the disarmament initiative is a significant step, it faces several challenges:

• Factions' Demands for Civil Rights: Some Palestinian factions, notably Hamas, have expressed willingness to engage in dialogue regarding disarmament but insist that discussions also address the political, social, and legal rights of Palestinian refugees in Lebanon. They view civil rights as legitimate and necessary for any disarmament agreement.

• Skepticism About Motives: Certain factions are skeptical of the Lebanese government's motives, suggesting that the disarmament initiative might align with external pressures to resettle refugees and diminish their right-of-return claims.

• Feasibility Concerns: Doubts persist about the practicality of the disarmament plan and whether it can lead to broader demilitarization in Lebanon, especially considering the entrenched presence of armed groups like Hezbollah.

The disarmament initiative has several potential social and societal implications:

• Improved Security: Reducing the number of weapons in refugee camps could lead to decreased factional violence and enhanced security for both Palestinian refugees and Lebanese citizens.

• Enhanced Civil Rights: Addressing the civil rights of Palestinian refugees, including access to employment and social services, could improve their quality of life and integration into Lebanese society.

• National Sovereignty: The initiative reinforces Lebanon's sovereignty by asserting state control over all weapons within its territory, potentially leading to a more stable political environment.

The presence of armed Palestinian factions in Lebanon dates back to the 1982 Israeli invasion and the Lebanese civil war, which deeply embedded these groups within refugee camps. Previous attempts at disarmament have faced significant resistance and limited success. The current initiative differs by coupling disarmament with efforts to improve the economic and social rights of refugees, aiming for a more comprehensive approach.

This comprehensive approach to disarmament, coupled with efforts to improve the rights and living conditions of Palestinian refugees, represents a significant shift in Lebanon's policy and has the potential to reshape the country's internal and regional dynamics.