NextFin news, Palestinian factions began handing over their weapons to the Lebanese army on August 21, 2025, at the Burj Al Barajneh Palestinian refugee camp in Beirut, Lebanon. This event marks the first step in a wider campaign to disarm Palestinian groups residing in refugee camps across Lebanon.
The Lebanese army was seen escorting weapons out of the camp, which is home to thousands of Palestinian refugees. The disarmament initiative aims to reduce armed presence within the camps, which have long been outside full Lebanese state control.
Lebanese officials announced the start of this disarmament process as part of efforts to restore security and state authority in the camps. The Burj Al Barajneh camp is one of 12 overcrowded Palestinian refugee camps in Lebanon, hosting approximately 222,000 Palestinian refugees nationwide.
According to The National, the weapons handed over included heavy weaponry, and the Lebanese army managed the collection and transportation of these arms. The Lebanese Prime Minister's office described the weapons transfer as the beginning of a broader disarmament campaign.
However, some rival Palestinian factions have rejected the move, calling it symbolic and highlighting the challenges ahead in fully implementing the disarmament plan. The Lebanese army's involvement signals the government's intent to assert control and reduce factional violence within the camps.
The disarmament process is part of Lebanon's broader security strategy amid regional tensions and internal challenges. The Lebanese government has emphasized the importance of this step to ensure stability and security for both Palestinian refugees and Lebanese citizens.
Sources for this report include The National, Ynetnews, and Al Jazeera, all reporting on the events of August 21, 2025, at the Burj Al Barajneh camp in Beirut.
Explore more exclusive insights at nextfin.ai.