Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas embarked on a significant 3-day visit to Lebanon, starting Wednesday, May 21, 2025, marking him as the first Arab president to visit Lebanon following the election of president Joseph Aoun adn the formation of Prime Minister Nawaf Salam’s government. The visit underscores the enduring bond between Palestine and Lebanon, rooted in mutual respect and shared history.

A Testament to Enduring Affection

President Abbas has consistently expressed deep affection for Lebanon and its peopel. This visit serves as a reaffirmation of that sentiment,acknowledging Lebanon’s sacrifices for the Palestinian cause and its long-standing hospitality towards Palestinian refugees. President Abbas often emphasizes the love and affection he carries for Lebanon, highlighting the sacrifices made by Lebanon for the Palestinian cause and expressing gratitude for its temporary hosting of the Palestinian people, in the longest period of enforced resort known to history until they return to their homes.

Strategic Timing and Key Issues

The timing of President Abbas’s visit is especially significant, given the complex geopolitical landscape. Several critical issues are at the forefront:

• The ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict, now in its 20th month, characterized by what some describe as the largest genocide, aggression targeting the West Bank and Jerusalem.
• Continued Israeli actions against Lebanon, including alleged violations of the 2024 truce agreement and the continuation of its occupation of lands in southern Lebanon.
• The broader context of regional and international efforts to address the Palestinian issue, including the establishment of a Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital and the return of refugees.
• The upcoming International Conference on the two-state solution at the United Nations headquarters in New York, scheduled for June, supported by palestinian efforts in coordination with Saudi Arabia and France.

High-Level Meetings and Discussions

President Abbas’s itinerary includes meetings with key Lebanese leaders, including President Joseph Aoun, Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri, and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam. Discussions are expected to cover a range of critical topics:

• Strengthening bilateral relations between Lebanon and Palestine.
• Enhancing consultation on the Palestinian issue, the Lebanese situation, and regional and international developments.
• Addressing the Palestinian refugee file in Lebanon, focusing on their rights and responsibilities.

Addressing Misconceptions: The Palestinian Refugee File

Sources familiar with the visit’s preparations indicate that the Palestinian file will be discussed comprehensively, moving beyond the narrow focus on weapons. Some reports suggest the visit aims to address Palestinian arms in Lebanon, but the reality is more nuanced. The discussions are part of broader efforts by Presidents Aoun and Abbas to coordinate positions and secure support for both Lebanon and Palestine.

President Abbas’s Firm Stance

President Abbas has consistently affirmed his commitment to Lebanon’s sovereignty and stability. He has stated unequivocally that the Palestinian refugees are guests in Lebanon until their return to the homeland, and they adhere to this right, and they reject resettlement or projects of displacement and dispersal, and they are under the ceiling of Lebanese sovereignty and the law, and what Lebanon is decided by the Palestinians. This stance underscores his unwavering belief in Lebanon’s autonomy and the importance of respecting its laws and decisions.

The Issue of Palestinian Arms: Clarifying the Facts

Discussions surrounding Palestinian disarmament frequently enough involve misconceptions. The heavy weaponry once present outside the camps was reportedly handed over to the Lebanese army following the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Syria. The Lebanese-Palestinian Dialog Committee has affirmed the closure of this file. Regarding weapons within the Palestinian camps, there are ongoing efforts to address unauthorized arms, aligning with both Palestinian and Lebanese interests to prevent actions by armed groups operating outside the Palestinian consensus.

The Palestinian refugees are guests in Lebanon until their return to the homeland, and they adhere to this right, and they reject resettlement or projects of displacement and dispersal, and they are under the ceiling of Lebanese sovereignty and the law, and what Lebanon is decided by the Palestinians.

President Mahmoud Abbas