The Syrian presidency has announced an immediate ceasefire in the southern city of Suweida following a week of sectarian clashes that left hundreds dead. The violence, involving armed confrontations between Bedouin tribes and the Druze community, has devastated the area. Graphic images show bodies lying in the streets as the death toll continues to rise.
Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa urged unity, saying, “This moment requires unity of ranks and complete cooperation in order to overcome what we are all going through.”
However, reports from the ground suggest that fighting may not have stopped, despite the announcement.
In response to the escalating violence, Syrian internal security forces have been deployed to Suweida. The move was approved by Israel on the condition that Druze civilians would be protected.
The Druze community, a religious minority in Syria, Lebanon, and Israel, follows a distinct faith derived from Shia Islam and has long had a strained relationship with the government in Damascus. Tensions intensified earlier this week when Israel launched strikes on government targets, including the defence ministry in Damascus, expressing solidarity with the Druze.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar questioned the Syrian leadership’s promise to protect minorities, calling the situation “very dangerous” for minority communities in Syria. “This has been proven time and again over the past six months,” he wrote on social media. Saar urged the international community to act to safeguard minority rights and security.
The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that 940 people have been killed since the violence began on Sunday. The conflict initially broke out between Bedouin and Druze groups, but government forces later became involved.
US Ambassador to Turkey Tom Barrack announced on Friday that Syria and Israel had reached a ceasefire agreement, reportedly backed by Turkey and Jordan. Israel has not yet commented on the deal. Barrack, also the US special envoy for Syria, called on all parties, Druze, Bedouins, Sunnis, and other minorities, to lay down arms and help build a unified Syrian identity.
The UN has raised serious concerns about the humanitarian situation. UN human rights chief Volker Türk said his office had received credible reports of widespread violations, including summary executions and arbitrary killings. Perpetrators include government forces, affiliated groups, and local Druze and Bedouin fighters.
Türkiye called for an immediate end to the violence and accountability for those responsible.
President Sharaa said on Saturday that his government remains committed to protecting all minorities and would hold violators accountable, regardless of affiliation.