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3. June 15 Set for First Phase of Palestinian Weapons Handover

The first phase of the Palestinian weapons handover in the camps is set to begin on June 15. According to Palestinian sources, the Palestinian Authority (PA) has set both the date and the camps included in this initial phase: Mar Elias, Shatila, and Burj al-Barajneh in Beirut. The PA has also scheduled a second phase for July 1, covering the Jalil camp in Baalbek and the Beddawi camp in northern Lebanon.

Lebanese sources following the dossier said that Beirut has insisted on full transparency in the weapons handover, stressing that it must include all usable heavy and medium weaponry—not just a few light arms or equipment deemed non-functional. The sources added that the Palestinian Authority has pledged to carry out the process in line with Lebanese requirements.

However, the same sources expressed doubt about the PA’s ability to fully meet its commitment, noting that it effectively holds sway over only a limited number of Palestinian factions, while the majority may fall outside its sphere of influence. They added that June 15 will serve as the true test of whether the PA can deliver on its pledge.

In turn, the Palestinians pushed for property ownership but were told that such a measure requires legislation in Parliament. They also asked for broader employment rights, but the response was similarly negative, as expanding this right would require government-level decisions that may not currently be feasible.

Additionally, the sources mentioned that the Lebanese side had agreed to allow construction materials into the camps, provided that those wishing to bring in such materials submit a request to the relevant security authorities. Once approved, only one-third of the requested materials will be admitted initially. The remainder will be delivered gradually, but only after it is confirmed that the initial consignment has been properly used at the designated site.

The Palestinians have yet to tackle the most challenging phase of the process, centered on the southern camps—particularly Ain el-Hilweh, Mieh, Rashidieh, el Buss, and Burj Shemali. These camps are the most heavily armed and host the largest number of Palestinian factions from different political groups. As such, handling the weapons handover in these camps will be a much more complex and difficult task. Moreover, any failure in the initial phase in Beirut could jeopardize the entire effort and derail the process—one for which the Palestinian Authority will be held accountable.