A fragile ceasefire has been declared in southern Syria’s Suwayda province on Saturday, following intense fighting that left hundreds dead.
The move comes in the wake of days of deadly clashes between Druze and Bedouin armed groups, government forces, and Israeli airstrikes, with more than 300 reported dead.
The Syrian presidency stated: “In light of the critical circumstances the country is going through, and out of concern to spare Syrian blood, preserve the unity of Syrian territory, the safety of its people... the Presidency of the Syrian Arab Republic announces a comprehensive and immediate ceasefire.”
The ceasefire was announced just hours after U.S. Ambassador to Türkiye Tom Barrack revealed that Israel and Syria had reached a ceasefire agreement, supported by Washington and welcomed by Türkiye, Jordan, and other neighboring states.
In a post on X, U.S. Ambassador to Türkiye urged: “upon Druze, Bedouins, and Sunni to put down their weapons and together with other minorities build a new and united Syrian identity in peace and prosperity with its neighbours".
An unnamed Israeli official said Israel had agreed to allow the 'limited entry of the [Syrian] internal security forces into Suwayda district for the next 48 hours' to stabilize the situation.
Despite the ceasefire announcement, Israeli airstrikes were carried out Wednesday, including on Syria’s Ministry of Defense in Damascus and on government positions in Suwayda. Israel said the operations aimed to protect the Druze population amid ongoing ethnic tensions.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the Druze “brothers,” emphasizing the community’s significance.
A U.S.-brokered truce between Druze leaders and the Syrian government briefly held before violence reignited Friday with fresh clashes between Druze and Bedouin groups.
Syrian interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa, warning against Israeli involvement, stated: “Syria will overcome attempts by Israel to tear the country apart through its aggression.”
He reaffirmed Syria’s commitment to protecting the Druze community while expressing a preference to avoid direct conflict with Israel.
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