Palestinian Factions Transfer Weapons in Lebanon’s Refugee Camps

Palestinian factions in two refugee camps in Lebanon transferred significant quantities of weapons to authorities on September 13, 2023. This handover aligns with an agreement established earlier in the year aimed at removing arms not under the control of the Lebanese state. The latest deliveries occurred in the Ein el-Hilweh camp, the largest of its kind in Lebanon located near the southern port city of Sidon, and the Beddawi camp near Tripoli.

According to the state-run National News Agency and a spokesperson for the Palestinian factions, three trucks filled with weapons from Beddawi were dispatched to a Lebanese army barracks in Tripoli. Abdul Hadi al-Assadi, spokesperson for the Palestinian National Security Forces in Lebanon, confirmed that five additional truckloads were handed over in Ein el-Hilweh. He noted that these weapons belonged to factions affiliated with the Palestine Liberation Organization.

Background on the Arms Handover

The handover of arms has been a gradual process since it began last month, with previous transfers occurring in various Palestinian refugee camps located in Beirut and the southern province of Tyre. The context surrounding these actions is crucial; the twelve Palestinian refugee camps in Lebanon operate largely outside of Lebanese state control.

Ein el-Hilweh, which is home to approximately 75,000 residents, includes militant Islamic groups that are not participating in the current arms transfer agreement. Tensions within the camp have been high, as evidenced by clashes between members of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas’ Fatah faction and rival Islamist groups, which claimed the lives of 30 individuals and resulted in hundreds of injuries in 2023.

Living Conditions and Legal Status of Palestinian Refugees

Palestinian refugees in Lebanon, along with their descendants, do not receive citizenship, a situation that is ostensibly intended to preserve their right to return to the homes they were forced to leave during the 1948 creation of the state of Israel. This legal status restricts their ability to work in numerous professions, including medicine and finance.

Moreover, limitations on property ownership further complicate their situation. Many refugees are compelled to purchase property under Lebanese names, putting them at risk of embezzlement and expropriation. These systemic challenges contribute to the ongoing struggles faced by Palestinian communities in Lebanon, underscoring the complexities surrounding both their political situation and their day-to-day lives.

As the arms handover continues, the implications for security and stability in the region remain to be seen, particularly given the historical tensions and the precarious status of Palestinian refugees in Lebanon.