The Phalange had been sent into the camps to clear out PLO fighters while Israeli forces surrounded the camps, blocking camp exits and providing logistical support.

President Bashir Gemayel agreed to send troops from his Phalange militia into camps to clear out 2,000 PLO fighters.

It is believed that the Phalangists considered it retaliation for Gemayel's assassination and for the Damour massacre which PLO fighters had committed earlier in a Christian town.

By 1 September, the PLO fighters had been evacuated from Beirut under the supervision of Multinational Forces (MNF).

Those forces had just supervised the departure of Arafat and his PLO fighters from Beirut.

In Yemen, he informed PLO fighters about Palestinian plans for peace with Israel.

Asking Sharon whether PLO fighters had 'machine guns', Begin seemed out of touch with the nature and scale of the military campaign he had authorized.

Following massive raids by Israeli forces in Beirut, it is estimated that 8,000 PLO fighters evacuated the city and dispersed.

Most PLO fighters withdrew, but Israel was able to secure southern Lebanon until a UN force and the Lebanese army could take over.

In August 1982, he was successful in bringing about an agreement for the evacuation of Syrian troops and PLO fighters from Beirut.