Lebanese Army launches fourth phase of Palestinian militia disarmament

The Lebanese military on September 13 began the fourth phase of its operation to disarm Palestinian militias, focusing on the Ain al-Hilweh refugee camp in the southern city of Sidon.

Ramez Dimechkie, head of the Lebanese-Palestinian Dialogue Committee, told Asharq Al-Awsat: “Palestinian security forces in Ain al-Hilweh will hand over to the Lebanese military the first batch of weapons they have collected, which includes artillery pieces, anti-aircraft guns and mortars. In northern Lebanon, Palestinians are handing over weapons at the El-Baddawi camp near the city of Tripoli.”

Dimechkie said the disarmament process began on August 22 under a bilateral agreement between President Joseph Aoun and Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas.

"The Lebanese military and the Palestinian Fatah movement have implemented three stages of the weapons collection plan, covering six camps in Beirut and Tyre. The current stage is being carried out in large refugee camps in southern and northern Lebanon and will last three days,” he added.

He also emphasised that only factions affiliated with the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO) are participating in the operation.

“Hamas and other radical groups have not yet reached an agreement with the Lebanese authorities. Dialogue with them is ongoing,” Dimechkie said.

By Tamilla Hasanova