Israel and Syria have reached a ceasefire agreement following a week of intense fighting in southern Syria, according to the U.S. ambassador to Turkey.
The truce comes after days of escalating violence in Sweida province — a predominantly Druze region — where over 300 people have been killed amid clashes involving Druze militias and Bedouin fighters. The conflict had prompted Israeli airstrikes earlier this week targeting Syrian military positions near Damascus and in the south.
Announcing the ceasefire on Friday, U.S. envoy Tom Barrack said the agreement was backed by regional actors including Turkey, Jordan, and other neighboring countries.
In a statement posted on X, Barrack urged various ethnic and sectarian groups in Syria — including Druze, Bedouins, and Sunnis — to lay down arms and work toward forging a unified national identity. “We call upon Druze, Bedouins, and Sunnis to put down their weapons and together with other minorities build a new and united Syrian identity,” he said.
Both the Israeli embassy in Washington and the Syrian consulate in Canada declined to comment on the announcement.
Sweida has been gripped by unrest since fighting erupted last week between local Druze forces and Bedouin groups. The situation further deteriorated when Syrian government forces were deployed to the area, triggering accusations of abuses against Druze civilians. Israeli warplanes subsequently launched strikes targeting Syrian units, insisting the operation was intended to protect the Druze community — a religious minority with significant populations in Syria, Lebanon, and Israel.
Despite previously objecting to Syrian military presence in the south, Israel has now conditionally agreed to allow limited Syrian troop access to the Sweida area. An Israeli official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that internal security forces would be permitted to enter the district for 48 hours to help stabilize the situation.
“In light of the ongoing instability in southwest Syria, Israel has agreed to allow limited entry of the (Syrian) internal security forces into Sweida district for the next 48 hours,” the official said.
Late Friday, Syria’s presidential office announced the planned deployment of forces to the south as part of a broader strategy to restore order and prevent further violence, combining security efforts with political outreach to local communities.
Source: Tovima.com
