Israel and Syria agree to ceasefire, says U.S. ambassador to Türkiye

The U.S. ambassador to Türkiye says Israel and Syria have reached a ceasefire deal supported by Türkiye, Jordan, and regional actors after cross-border strikes this week heightened tensions.

The U.S. ambassador to Türkiye said Friday that Israel and Syria have agreed to a ceasefire supported by regional powers, following a sharp escalation in cross-border strikes earlier this week.

On Wednesday, Israeli forces launched airstrikes in Damascus and southern Syria, targeting government troops and demanding their withdrawal. Israel said the strikes were intended to protect the country’s Druze population, part of a minority also present in Syria and Lebanon.

“We call upon Druze, Bedouins, and Sunnis to put down their weapons and together with other minorities build a new and united Syrian identity,” Ambassador Tom Barrack wrote in a post on X.

The agreement comes with backing from Türkiye, Jordan, and other regional neighbors, though details of the deal have not been released. Tensions had risen sharply in recent days, raising concerns about a broader regional spillover.

There is no immediate comment from the Israeli or Syrian governments.

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