Palestinian ambassador: We are ready to complete the handover of the Palestine Liberation Organization's weapons to the Lebanese government
Palestinian Ambassador to Lebanon Mohammad Qassem Al-Asaad affirmed that Lebanese-Palestinian relations are positive, stressing the Palestinian leadership’s commitment to respecting Lebanese law and cooperating with the state to address outstanding issues, foremost among them Palestinian weapons, conditions in the refugee camps, and the civil and humanitarian rights of refugees.
Al-Asaad noted that the Palestinian people have paid a heavy price as a result of war, destruction and internal division. He explained that President Mahmoud Abbas has set seven conditions for reconciliation, most notably commitment to the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and its political program, the adoption of a single system, law and legitimate arms authority, adherence to the two-state solution, and the formation of a technocratic government. He expressed hope that the ongoing consultations under Egyptian auspices would lead to understandings that serve the Palestinian national interest.
On Lebanon, Al-Asaad said that the Palestinian leadership is acting on the basis of the understandings reached between Presidents Joseph Aoun and Mahmoud Abbas. He noted that his meetings with Lebanese officials and political leaders since taking up his post in August 2025 have been positive.
Regarding weapons, Al-Asaad announced that the Palestinian side was ready to complete the handover of weapons belonging to the Palestine Liberation Organization to the Lebanese state. He stressed that the process should be carried out through mutual understanding and coordination, avoiding any steps that could lead to tensions and armed clashes. He added that weapons held by factions outside the PLO framework require action by the Lebanese state in coordination with the relevant parties.
