US Mediates Ceasefire Between Syria and Israel Amid Ongoing Tensions
In a significant development, US Ambassador to Turkiye, Tom Barrack, has announced a ceasefire agreement between Syria and Israel, signaling a fragile reconciliation between the two nations. This truce comes after a series of air strikes and violent sectarian clashes in Syria’s southwestern region of Suwayda, stirring unrest among local communities.
In a post shared on X early on Saturday, Barrack stated that the ceasefire received "support" from the United States and was "embraced" by Turkiye, Jordan, and neighboring countries of Syria. The US envoy urged various communities, including Druze, Bedouins, and Sunnis, to lay down their arms and unite in fostering a new collective identity aimed at peace and prosperity within the region.
As it stands, there has been no official response from the Israeli or Syrian governments regarding the ceasefire. However, an unnamed Israeli official indicated on Friday that, given the "ongoing instability" in southern Syria, Israel has permitted a restricted entry of Syrian internal security forces into the Suwayda district for a 48-hour period.
Earlier in the week, Israel conducted extensive air strikes targeting the Syrian Ministry of Defence in Damascus and Syrian military forces in Suwayda, claiming these operations were necessary to protect the Druze minority in the region. This group, which has faced violent confrontations with Bedouin armed factions and government troops, has reportedly suffered significant casualties.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu referred to the Druze community, numbering roughly one million in Syria and 150,000 in Israel, as “brothers.” The ceasefire, facilitated by the US, Turkiye, and Arab nations, had been established with Druze leaders and the Syrian government just before the air strikes began, which tragically resulted in multiple casualties.
In the aftermath of these events, Syrian interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa addressed the nation, emphasizing the protection of Druze citizens and their rights. He reiterated Syria’s commitment to avoiding conflict with Israel while asserting that the nation would not shy away from defending itself against aggression.
However, tensions erupted anew on Friday with renewed fighting between Druze and Bedouin factions in Suwayda, prompting Damascus to deploy dedicated forces to restore order in the predominantly Druze province.
This fragile truce highlights the ongoing volatility in the region as leaders seek a path towards stability and reconciliation amid years of conflict.