Palestinian factions in Lebanon issued a statement on Thursday denying media reports suggesting plans to hand over weapons in Palestinian camps, particularly in Beirut’s Burj al-Barajneh camp. The factions described the reports as “completely false and bear no relation to reality.”

The statement clarified that recent events in Burj al-Barajneh were strictly internal matters within the Fatah movement and unrelated to the broader issue of Palestinian weapons in the camps. The factions stressed their commitment to the security and stability of the camps and their surroundings, as well as adherence to Lebanese law and respect for the sovereignty of state institutions.

“Our weapons have been and will only be linked to the right of return and the just Palestinian cause. They will remain as long as the occupation persists in Palestine and will only be used to confront the Zionist enemy until the Palestinian people achieve their right to return, freedom, and establish their independent state on their land,” the statement said.

The clarification came hours after a limited handover of heavy weapons in Burj al-Barajneh to the Lebanese army, during which former Fatah officer Shadi Al-Far surrendered his weapon before being detained by the army. A Lebanese army unit, accompanied by Palestinian National Security forces, transported the weapons to army custody.

Palestinian National Security Commander Major General Sobhi Abu Arab stated that the weapons “recently entered the camp” and are not affiliated with Palestinian factions. Meanwhile, the Lebanese-Palestinian Dialogue Committee described the operation as “the first phase in handing over weapons from inside Palestinian camps,” in line with resolutions from the Lebanese-Palestinian summit and joint committee meetings held in May.

Sources within the Palestinian community indicated that the weapons issue is “not currently up for discussion” with any party, suggesting the handover was a unilateral move by Fatah and National Security forces in coordination with Lebanese authorities and following instructions from the Palestinian Authority President.

The agreement between Lebanon and President Mahmoud Abbas regarding weapons has not been coordinated with other Palestinian factions or the Joint Palestinian Action Committee, the primary body authorized to handle national matters, including the regulation of arms inside the camps.