Syria and Israel Agree to Ceasefire After Week of Bloodshed in Sweida
A fragile ceasefire has been reached between Syria and Israel following days of deadly violence in Syria's southwestern Sweida province, U.S. Ambassador to Türkiye Tom Barrack announced early Saturday.
In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), Barrack said the ceasefire was 'supported by the United States' and 'welcomed' by Türkiye, Jordan, and Syria's neighbouring countries. The announcement comes amid escalating clashes and airstrikes that have shaken the Druze-majority region.
According to Syria's Interior Ministry, security forces have now begun deploying in Sweida with the goal of protecting civilians and restoring order. Ministry spokesperson Noureddine al-Baba stated on Telegram, 'Internal security forces have begun deploying in Sweida province... to protect civilians and put an end to the chaos.'
The violence, described as one of the deadliest in the region in recent years, has claimed at least 718 lives since last Sunday, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. Among the dead are 146 Druze fighters, 245 civilians—165 of whom were allegedly executed by Syrian security personnel—287 government troops, and 18 Bedouin fighters. The Observatory also reported that three Bedouins were executed by Druze fighters in retaliation.
The conflict has also been complicated by Israeli airstrikes, which reportedly killed 15 more Syrian soldiers during the escalation.
While the ceasefire offers a glimmer of hope for a pause in violence, the situation remains tense, and the humanitarian toll continues to rise.
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