Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, right, welcomes Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Beirut on Thursday. EPA
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, right, welcomes Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Beirut on Thursday. EPA
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, right, welcomes Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Beirut on Thursday. EPA
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, right, welcomes Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Beirut on Thursday. EPA

Lebanon's leaders agree to improve social and legal rights for Palestinian refugees


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Lebanon's leadership has taken a political decision to give additional legal and social rights to Palestinian refugees in the country, Lebanese and Palestinian political sources told The National on Thursday.

"There is a decision to improve the social and legal living situation of Palestinian refugees in Lebanon," a source close to Prime Minister Nawaf Salam told The National following Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas's meeting with the Prime Minister on Thursday.

The source added that “there is no executive framework yet. The Lebanese-Palestinian dialogue committee is working on it".

Mr Abbas's visit to Lebanon, his first in seven years, comes as Lebanon's leadership − under pressure from the United States and Israel − seeks to ensure the demilitarisation of the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah and its Palestinian allies operating in the country.

Mr Abbas has simultaneously been seeking better living conditions for the hundreds of thousands of Palestinian refugees, who possess few legal rights in Lebanon – an issue his party has insisted is not a trade for disarmament.

"We refuse the idea that we will exact concessions in exchange for weapons," said Serhan Serhan, deputy secretary of Mr Abbas's Fatah faction, who operates in Lebanon. "We truly see that the issue of weapons in the camps is becoming dangerous and wrong and is being used for internal fighting instead of resistance against Israel."

The issue of disarming Lebanon's 12 Palestinian refugee camps, which are not under Lebanese state control, has long been one of contention. Palestinian groups such as Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, dedicated to armed resistance against Israel and allied with Hezbollah, have frequently used Lebanon as a base to launch rockets at Israel.

Many Palestinians who recall Lebanon's 1975-1990 civil war see weapons as necessary for self-defence in the refugee camps. Others maintain that weapons have become tools for drug violence and internal political rivalries.

The camps are outside the control of the Lebanese state, which has made some of them a haven for outlaws, drug trafficking and Islamist extremists. Outbreaks of armed violence are common, as is inter-factional strife and conflict.

Expanded Palestinian rights

The Lebanese-Palestinian Dialogue Committee (LPDC), an inter-ministerial Lebanese government body, has been tasked with developing the legal framework for improving Palestinian refugee rights in Lebanon – something it has been working towards for a long time, according to its director Nadine Marouk. However, years of political instability and caretaker governments had hindered progress on the sensitive topic.

"The fact that it’s a new era for Lebanon with a strong presidency, a reform government and a homogenous cabinet" has allowed for a consensus on Palestinian refugee rights, she said.

"Disarmament is a sensitive issue and everyone is scared of how it will be implemented on the ground," she added, referring to hints from Lebanese and Palestinian officials that force could be used if factions do not abide by the disarmament decision. "So in parallel we are working on other fundamental issues ... like providing a comprehensive legal framework for property and labour rights."

She said the legal framework was being discussed by the Prime Minister and the government, and would later be sent to parliament to be endorsed by MPs.

Palestinian refugees in Lebanon – people expelled from their homes in 1948 during the Nakba and the creation of the state of Israel, and their descendants – are barred from working in more than 30 professions and are not permitted to own property. Because they are unable to obtain Lebanese citizenship, they are unable to access state benefits such as health care and education, instead relying on the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) which has faced severe funding cuts.

Palestinian refugee camps in Lebanon are under the control of various armed factions. AP
Palestinian refugee camps in Lebanon are under the control of various armed factions. AP

A statement by Mr Abbas and Mr Salam emphasised “the importance of joint action to address the legal and social issues of Palestinian refugees, ensuring the improvement of their humanitarian conditions without compromising state sovereignty”, alluding to the often dire living conditions in the refugee camps.

The statement reiterated similar sentiments expressed after the Palestinian Authority leader met Lebanese President Joseph Aoun on Wednesday.

The statement said Lebanon was committed to imposing its sovereignty over its territories including Palestinian camps “and completely closing the file on Palestinian weapons, whether inside or outside the camps, to ensure that weapons are exclusively controlled by the state”.

Recent discussions in Lebanon about disarming non-state groups have focused on Hezbollah, but attention has now turned towards weapons in the Palestinian refugee camps.

In March, Israel significantly increased its bombardment of southern Lebanon in response to fighters linked to Hamas allegedly firing rockets at the country from the area. Shortly afterwards, the Lebanese military arrested several suspects, including some who were handed over from different refugee camps.

The BIO

Favourite piece of music: Verdi’s Requiem. It’s awe-inspiring.

Biggest inspiration: My father, as I grew up in a house where music was constantly played on a wind-up gramophone. I had amazing music teachers in primary and secondary school who inspired me to take my music further. They encouraged me to take up music as a profession and I follow in their footsteps, encouraging others to do the same.

Favourite book: Ian McEwan’s Atonement – the ending alone knocked me for six.

Favourite holiday destination: Italy - music and opera is so much part of the life there. I love it.

UAE v Gibraltar

What: International friendly

When: 7pm kick off

Where: Rugby Park, Dubai Sports City

Admission: Free

Online: The match will be broadcast live on Dubai Exiles’ Facebook page

UAE squad: Lucas Waddington (Dubai Exiles), Gio Fourie (Exiles), Craig Nutt (Abu Dhabi Harlequins), Phil Brady (Harlequins), Daniel Perry (Dubai Hurricanes), Esekaia Dranibota (Harlequins), Matt Mills (Exiles), Jaen Botes (Exiles), Kristian Stinson (Exiles), Murray Reason (Abu Dhabi Saracens), Dave Knight (Hurricanes), Ross Samson (Jebel Ali Dragons), DuRandt Gerber (Exiles), Saki Naisau (Dragons), Andrew Powell (Hurricanes), Emosi Vacanau (Harlequins), Niko Volavola (Dragons), Matt Richards (Dragons), Luke Stevenson (Harlequins), Josh Ives (Dubai Sports City Eagles), Sean Stevens (Saracens), Thinus Steyn (Exiles)

Groom and Two Brides

Director: Elie Semaan

Starring: Abdullah Boushehri, Laila Abdallah, Lulwa Almulla

Rating: 3/5

Scoreline

Al Wasl 1 (Caio Canedo 90 1')

Al Ain 2 (Ismail Ahmed 3', Marcus Berg 50')

Red cards: Ismail Ahmed (Al Ain) 77'

UAE rugby in numbers

5 - Year sponsorship deal between Hesco and Jebel Ali Dragons

700 - Dubai Hurricanes had more than 700 playing members last season between their mini and youth, men's and women's teams

Dh600,000 - Dubai Exiles' budget for pitch and court hire next season, for their rugby, netball and cricket teams

Dh1.8m - Dubai Hurricanes' overall budget for next season

Dh2.8m - Dubai Exiles’ overall budget for next season

Avatar: Fire and Ash

Director: James Cameron

Starring: Sam Worthington, Sigourney Weaver, Zoe Saldana

Rating: 4.5/5

The candidates

Dr Ayham Ammora, scientist and business executive

Ali Azeem, business leader

Tony Booth, professor of education

Lord Browne, former BP chief executive

Dr Mohamed El-Erian, economist

Professor Wyn Evans, astrophysicist

Dr Mark Mann, scientist

Gina MIller, anti-Brexit campaigner

Lord Smith, former Cabinet minister

Sandi Toksvig, broadcaster

 

The specs

Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl

Power: 153hp at 6,000rpm

Torque: 200Nm at 4,000rpm

Transmission: 6-speed auto

Price: Dh99,000

On sale: now

The Vile

Starring: Bdoor Mohammad, Jasem Alkharraz, Iman Tarik, Sarah Taibah

Director: Majid Al Ansari

Rating: 4/5

HEADLINE HERE
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KEY%20DATES%20IN%20AMAZON'S%20HISTORY
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Profile

Name: Carzaty

Founders: Marwan Chaar and Hassan Jaffar

Launched: 2017

Employees: 22

Based: Dubai and Muscat

Sector: Automobile retail

Funding to date: $5.5 million

TALE OF THE TAPE

Floyd Mayweather

  • Height 
  • Weight
  • Reach
  • Record

Conor McGregor

  • Height 
  • Weight
  • Reach
  • Record
Moon Music

Artist: Coldplay

Label: Parlophone/Atlantic

Number of tracks: 10

Rating: 3/5

The burning issue

The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.

Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins

Read part two: how climate change drove the race for an alternative 

Read part one: how cars came to the UAE

Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha

Starring: Ajay Devgn, Tabu, Shantanu Maheshwari, Jimmy Shergill, Saiee Manjrekar

Director: Neeraj Pandey

Rating: 2.5/5

TOUR RESULTS AND FIXTURES

June 3: NZ Provincial Barbarians 7 Lions 13
June 7: Blues 22 Lions 16
June 10: Crusaders 3 Lions 12
June 13: Highlanders 23 Lions 22
June 17: Maori All Blacks 10 Lions 32
June 20: Chiefs 6 Lions 34
June 24: New Zealand 30 Lions 15 (First Test)
June 27: Hurricanes 31 Lions 31
July 1: New Zealand 21 Lions 24 (Second Test)
July 8: New Zealand v Lions (Third Test) - kick-off 11.30am (UAE)

%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EFixtures%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3ESaturday%2C%20May%2028%2C%20United%20States%20v%20Scotland%3Cbr%3ESunday%2C%20May%2029%2C%20United%20States%20v%20Scotland%3Cbr%3ETuesday%2C%20May%2031%2C%20UAE%20v%20Scotland%3Cbr%3EWednesday%2C%20June%201%2C%20UAE%20v%20United%20States%3Cbr%3EFriday%2C%20June%203%2C%20UAE%20v%20Scotland%3Cbr%3ESaturday%2C%20June%204%2C%20UAE%20v%20United%20States%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EUAE%20squad%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EAhmed%20Raza%20(captain)%2C%20Chirag%20Suri%2C%20Muhammad%20Waseem%2C%20Vriitya%20Aravind%2C%20CP%20Rizwan%2C%20Basil%20Hameed%2C%20Rohan%20Mustafa%2C%20Kashif%20Daud%2C%20Karthik%20Meiyappan%2C%20Zahoor%20Khan%2C%20Junaid%20Siddique%2C%20Alishan%20Sharafu%2C%20Akif%20Raja%2C%20Rahul%20Bhatia%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETable%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3Cbr%3E1.%20Oman%2032%2019%2011%2040%20%2B0.156%3Cbr%3E2.%20Scotland%2016%2011%203%2024%20%2B0.574%3Cbr%3E3.%20UAE%2018%2010%206%2022%20%2B0.22%3Cbr%3E4.%20Namibia%2014%207%207%2014%20%2B0.096%3Cbr%3E5.%20United%20States%2016%207%209%2014%20-0.229%3Cbr%3E6.%20Nepal%2012%206%206%2012%20%2B0.113%3Cbr%3E7.%20Papua%20New%20Guinea%2020%201%2019%202%20-0.856%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The specs: 2017 Dodge Ram 1500 Laramie Longhorn

Price, base / as tested: Dhxxx
Engine: 5.7L V8
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Power: 395hp @ 5,600rpm
Torque: 556Nm @ 3,950rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 12.7L / 100km

Desert Warrior

Starring: Anthony Mackie, Aiysha Hart, Ben Kingsley

Director: Rupert Wyatt

Rating: 3/5

The specs
  • Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
  • Power: 640hp
  • Torque: 760nm
  • On sale: 2026
  • Price: Not announced yet

Lampedusa: Gateway to Europe
Pietro Bartolo and Lidia Tilotta
Quercus

The biog

Hometown: Cairo

Age: 37

Favourite TV series: The Handmaid’s Tale, Black Mirror

Favourite anime series: Death Note, One Piece and Hellsing

Favourite book: Designing Brand Identity, Fifth Edition

Our legal consultant

Name: Dr Hassan Mohsen Elhais

Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Four-day collections of TOH

Day             Indian Rs (Dh)        

Thursday    500.75 million (25.23m)

Friday         280.25m (14.12m)

Saturday     220.75m (11.21m)

Sunday       170.25m (8.58m)

Total            1.19bn (59.15m)

(Figures in millions, approximate)

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MOUNTAINHEAD REVIEW

Starring: Ramy Youssef, Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman

Director: Jesse Armstrong

Rating: 3.5/5

Usain Bolt's time for the 100m at major championships

2008 Beijing Olympics 9.69 seconds

2009 Berlin World Championships 9.58

2011 Daegu World Championships Disqualified

2012 London Olympics 9.63

2013 Moscow World Championships 9.77

2015 Beijing World Championships 9.79

2016 Rio Olympics 9.81

2017 London World Championships 9.95

While you're here

Michael Young: Where is Lebanon headed?

Kareem Shaheen: I owe everything to Beirut

Raghida Dergham: We have to bounce back

Updated: May 22, 2025, 4:53 PM