Israel and Syria have agreed to a temporary ceasefire after a week of brutal violence ravaged southern Syria’s Druze-majority Sweida province. The conflict resulted in the deaths of at least 321 people and left hundreds more injured. This fragile truce comes after fierce clashes between Druze militias and Bedouin fighters, as well as a series of Israeli airstrikes targeting Damascus and Sweida.
International Mediation Brings Hope
The ceasefire, brokered with the support of the United States, Turkey, Jordan, and neighboring nations, marks a tentative step toward de-escalation. U.S. envoy to Turkey, Tom Barrack, announced the agreement on Friday through a post on the social media platform X. He urged all communities—Druze, Bedouins, Sunnis, and other minorities—to cease hostilities and work together toward building a “unified Syrian identity.”
Israeli Strikes Follow Government Crackdowns
Earlier in the week, Israel launched several air raids on Syrian government targets in Damascus and Sweida. Israeli officials accused the Assad-led regime of violently repressing the Druze population and warned it would respond to any further troop deployments in southern Syria. Despite these aggressive moves, Israeli military sources said they had authorized a 48-hour window allowing Syrian internal security forces to enter Sweida to help calm tensions.
“To contain the ongoing unrest in southwest Syria, we have agreed to a limited deployment of Syrian internal forces into Sweida for the next two days,” said an Israeli official on condition of anonymity.
Continued Clashes Despite Ceasefire
Even as the ceasefire was announced, fighting flared up again on Friday in northern and western Sweida. Residents reported intense gunfire and shelling, raising doubts about whether the truce could hold. The situation on the ground remains dire, with basic necessities in critically short supply.
“There’s been no electricity, no water, no food—nothing at all for four days,” said Mudar, a 28-year-old Sweida local. Speaking anonymously for fear of retaliation, he added, “Communication is nearly impossible because the internet and phone lines barely work.”
UN Raises Alarm Over Human Rights Abuses
The United Nations has expressed deep concern over escalating human rights violations. The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) received credible reports of extrajudicial killings, kidnappings, and indiscriminate attacks on civilians. One particularly horrifying report claimed that 13 people were executed at a family event on Tuesday, while six others were killed near their homes.
Syrian Government Accuses Israel of Destabilization
The interim Syrian government responded by condemning Israel’s military actions, accusing it of attempting to fracture the country and supporting anti-government forces. President Ahmed al-Sharaa vowed to defend the Druze community and pledged to restore law and order.
Bedouin Fighters Reinforce Positions
Despite the ceasefire, the threat of renewed violence remains. Security officials confirmed that thousands of armed Bedouin fighters have flooded into Sweida. Syrian forces based in the nearby Daraa province are reportedly awaiting final approval to enter the region under the ceasefire agreement.
Casualty Figures and Humanitarian Crisis Grow
The Syrian Network for Human Rights reported that the 321 fatalities included women, children, medics, and civilians—many of whom were executed in the streets. Syria’s emergency services minister confirmed that over 500 injured people had received medical care, and numerous families had been evacuated to safer areas.
UN Urges Unrestricted Humanitarian Access
The UN refugee agency issued an urgent call on Friday, demanding that all parties grant humanitarian workers full access to affected areas. Aid organizations have struggled to deliver essential supplies to civilians trapped in the conflict zone due to ongoing hostilities.
Biden Administration Distances Itself from Israeli Airstrikes
Although the United States supported diplomatic efforts leading to the ceasefire, the Biden administration clarified that it had not endorsed Israel’s military strikes on Syria. This statement reflects Washington’s cautious approach, aiming to de-escalate tensions without directly escalating the conflict further.
Looking Ahead
The ceasefire offers a momentary reprieve from the violence, but widespread instability and humanitarian needs persist. With tensions still simmering and various factions maintaining a heavy presence on the ground, observers remain skeptical about how long the truce will last or whether it will pave the way for long-term peace in Sweida and beyond.
