RAMALLAH, West Bank — Palestinian parties are currently discussing the implemention of a draft law on firearms and ammunition licensing fees that the Palestinian Authority Cabinet ratified Dec. 13. A government statement declared that the law aims to “reorganize the weapons dossier, reduce the spread of illegal weapons, work to control illegal weapons and confront arms dealers and outlaws seeking to undermine the security of both the homeland and the citizen.”

The draft legislation is based on Law No. 2 of 1998 on firearms and ammunition, issued under President Yasser Arafat, approved by the Cabinet and approved and passed by the Palestinian Legislative Council. The law failed, however, to set out regulations for firearms and ammunition licensing fees, which this proposed law attempts to address.

The 1998 law was never, however, implemented because the PA remained weak and unable to regulate arms or move to control their proliferation. It has also sought to avoid sparking internal clashes by going after weapons, as many of those who have them are wanted by Israel. 

Article 28 of Law No. 2 stipulates, “The license to possess or trade in firearms or ammunition is granted based on a system determined by the minister of interior and approved by the Council of Ministers.” Article 6 sets the conditions to get a license: “Proof that the arms are purchased from a licensed trader, a certificate of sale containing a description of the weapons sold and the date of sale as well as the name and address of the seller, proof of purchase of a firearm from a licensed person, proof of firearm import from abroad and an import permit.”