Lebanese Authorities Launch Disarmament Campaign in Palestinian Refugee Camps

On August 21, 2025, Lebanese authorities initiated a disarmament campaign targeting Palestinian factions within the country's refugee camps, beginning with the Burj al-Barajneh camp in Beirut. This effort follows a May 2025 agreement between Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to consolidate all arms under Lebanese state control. The initial phase involved Palestinian groups handing over weapons to the Lebanese army, with plans to extend the process to other camps nationwide. While some factions, such as Fatah, participated in the handover, others, including Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad, have expressed reservations or outright opposition to disarmament. This initiative is part of Lebanon's broader strategy to assert state sovereignty by gradually disarming non-state armed groups, including Hezbollah.

Lebanon hosts approximately 200,000 Palestinian refugees across 12 camps, which have historically operated outside the full jurisdiction of Lebanese authorities. These camps have often been self-governed by Palestinian factions, leading to complex security dynamics. The presence of armed groups within these camps has been a longstanding issue, contributing to periodic violence and instability.

The disarmament campaign commenced with the Burj al-Barajneh camp, where Palestinian factions began handing over weapons to the Lebanese army. This move is seen as a preliminary step in a broader plan to remove arms from all refugee camps. The Lebanese government has tasked the army with developing a strategy by the end of the year to consolidate all arms under state authority.

The response from Palestinian factions has been mixed. Fatah, aligned with President Abbas, has participated in the disarmament process. However, groups like Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad have distanced themselves from the initiative, expressing concerns over security and the lack of comprehensive dialogue. A Hamas source stated that the disarmament plan does not amount to a broader disarmament of Palestinian factions and emphasized the need for a humanitarian approach addressing safety, coordination with UNRWA, and the right of return before discussing disarmament.

Lebanese officials view the disarmament of Palestinian factions as a step toward asserting state sovereignty and improving security within the camps. Ramez Dimashkieh, head of the Lebanese-Palestinian Dialogue Committee, indicated that the disarmament effort could pave the way for granting Palestinian refugees more legal rights, including improved labor and property rights, without conferring Lebanese nationality.

Hezbollah has rejected the government's disarmament plan, warning of potential civil war if forced to lay down arms. The group views the initiative as a direct threat to its identity as a resistance force. Hezbollah's leader, Naim Qassem, has warned of a "civil war" if the government seeks confrontation with the group.

The disarmament initiative aligns with broader international efforts to stabilize Lebanon. The United Nations Security Council is expected to extend the mandate of the peacekeeping mission in Lebanon, UNIFIL, until the end of 2026, with plans for a phased withdrawal thereafter. This move aims to have the Lebanese government become the sole security provider in the south.

The disarmament of Palestinian factions could lead to improved security within refugee camps and potentially enhance the legal rights of Palestinian refugees in Lebanon. However, the initiative also raises concerns about the protection and representation of Palestinian communities, especially given their historical marginalization and lack of civil rights in Lebanon. The success of the disarmament process may depend on addressing these broader social and political issues.

Lebanon's disarmament initiative represents a bold move toward consolidating state authority over armed groups. The success of this campaign will depend on addressing internal dissent, managing external pressures, and ensuring the rights and security of all communities involved.