Beirut Visit Palestinian President Abbas in Talks with Lebanese Officials on Security and Authority

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas engages in discussions with Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri during his first visit to Beirut in seven years. The focus of the meeting revolves around ensuring that Palestinian factions do not utilize Lebanon as a base for attacks on Israel and the removal of unauthorized weapons. This development comes in the aftermath of the Israel-Hezbollah conflict, highlighting Lebanon’s efforts to strengthen its governance, particularly in the southern border regions. The presence of various armed factions within the 12 Palestinian refugee camps poses challenges, with factions like Fatah, Hamas, and jihadi groups influencing dynamics, notably in camps such as Ein el-Hilweh near Sidon. The intricate issue of weapon removal from these camps, housing thousands of Palestinian refugees, remains a critical point of discussion. The talks aim to address clashes between rival groups within the camps, impacting both residents and neighboring areas. The story was reported by Africa News.