Summary
- Israel and Syria agree to a US-brokered ceasefire in Sweida province.
- Israeli airstrikes and sectarian violence prompted urgent intervention.
- Syrian troops allowed limited entry into Sweida to restore order.
- Hundreds have been killed; thousands displaced during recent clashes.
- All parties required to surrender heavy weapons and halt fighting.
After nearly a week of unprecedented bloodshed in southern Syria, a United States-brokered ceasefire agreement between Israel and Syria went into effect on Saturday, offering a temporary reprieve to civilians in the war-ravaged province of Sweida. The truce, which notably permits limited Syrian government security forces into the region after Israeli objections, marks a significant shift in the conflict’s dynamic and comes on the heels of massive Israeli airstrikes and sectarian violence that left hundreds dead and thousands displaced.
How Did the Israel-Syria Ceasefire Come About?
As reported by Tom Barrack, US Ambassador to Turkey and the Biden administration’s special envoy for Syria, fierce fighting erupted earlier in the week between Druze armed groups and Bedouin clans in Sweida, a predominantly Druze region in southern Syria. According to Reuters and Times of Israel correspondents, the conflict escalated rapidly after government forces entered the fray and sided with Bedouin fighters against Druze militias, a development that displaced tens of thousands and compounded an already dire humanitarian situation.
Al Jazeera and Arab News both highlighted that Israeli military intervention, which included airstrikes on targets in Damascus and Sweida, further inflamed the volatile landscape. Israel stated these operations were to defend the Druze minority, claiming shared ethnic and religious ties with the population in Sweida.
Which International Mediators Brokered the Ceasefire?
Tom Barrack, US Ambassador to Ankara and special envoy for Syria, publicly announced the ceasefire on social media and in statements to the press, attributing the breakthrough to concerted diplomatic efforts involving Türkiye, Jordan, and neighboring states. He wrote,
“Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, supported by the USA, have agreed to a ceasefire embraced by Türkiye, Jordan and its neighbors”.
According to Europe News and France 24, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan also played a key role, coordinating with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and regional officials to de-escalate a “troubling and horrifying situation”.
What Are the Key Provisions of the Truce?
As reported by CGTN and Roya News, the US-brokered ceasefire includes a number of critical components:
- Immediate cessation of hostilities in Sweida province.
- Surrender of heavy and medium weapons by Druze, Bedouin, and government-affiliated factions.
- Limited, temporary deployment of Syrian internal security forces in Sweida to restore order, specifically for a period of 48 hours.
- Integration of local militia members into formal security structures and the upcoming political process.
- Guarantee of safe passage for civilians who reject the terms of the agreement and wish to leave Sweida.
Times of Israel quoted a senior Israeli official stating,
"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, marking a rare Israeli concession to Damascus."
The Israeli government had previously resisted redeployment of Syrian forces to the south, citing security risks to its own Druze population.
How Did the Parties React to the Agreement?
President Ahmed al-Sharaa of Syria, in a televised address highlighted by Al Jazeera and Times of Israel, announced his approval of the ceasefire, thanking the United States and regional partners for facilitating the deal.
“We aim to save Syrian lives, maintain the integrity of Syrian territory, and ensure the safety of its citizens,”
said al-Sharaa.
Barrack, in his comments cited by Anadolu Agency and CBS News, called on all sides,
“Druze, Bedouin, and Sunnis to put down their weapons and together with other minorities build a new and united Syrian identity. We urge all Syrians to honor each other and live in peace and prosperity with their neighbors”.
Why Did Israel Permit Syrian Troop Entry into Sweida?
According to Arab News, Times of Israel, and CGTN, pressure from Israel’s own Druze community and reports of atrocities committed against Druze civilians in Sweida compelled the Israeli government to reconsider its typical opposition to Syrian troop movements near its borders. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faced internal appeals to act amid Israeli media reports alleging that regime forces killed women and boys and looted Druze homes.
The Israeli official's statement, reported by Roya News and corroborated by Reuters, clarified that this allowance was strictly time-limited:
"Israel has agreed to allow limited entry of the (Syrian) internal security forces into Sweida district for the next 48 hours”.
The primary goal, said officials, is to stabilize the area, resume basic public security, and prevent further cross-border escalation.
How Did the Troop Movements Unfold?
As reported by Reuters and Al Jazeera, an Interior Ministry spokesman for Syria, Noureddine al-Baba, confirmed the deployment:
“Internal security forces have commenced their deployment in Suwayda province with the objective of safeguarding civilians and halting the disorder.”
However, contradictory statements from officials in both countries reflected lingering mistrust and ambiguity about the duration and scope of such deployments.
What Is the Human Cost and Current Situation in Sweida?
Multiple outlets, including Arab News, Sky News, and Roya News, reported that over 250 to 300 people have died in Sweida since the violence erupted, with the Syrian Health Ministry citing 260 killed and nearly 1,700 wounded in less than a week. The Syrian Network for Human Rights documented deaths among medical personnel, women, and children, underscoring the civilian toll.
Tens of thousands remain displaced, fleeing both the crossfire and targeted abuses. Reports from Euronews and Times of Israel note ongoing humanitarian needs and warn that any faltering of the ceasefire could exacerbate the crisis further.
Are Clashes Ongoing Despite the Truce?
Despite the widely publicized ceasefire announcement, sporadic violence and renewed clashes have been reported by residents and local observers, particularly between Bedouin and Druze fighters in outlying areas of Sweida. Both Reuters and Jerusalem Post highlighted that the implementation of certain provisions, like surrender of weapons and integration of armed groups, will face significant resistance from local factions.
What Are the Broader Implications of the Ceasefire?
This agreement represents one of the most public cases of military cooperation—or at least, tacit coordination—between Israel and Syria since the Syrian civil war began. As noted by Reuters and Al Jazeera, the US-brokered deal could set a precedent for similar humanitarian-driven interventions if the two sides manage to uphold the terms, but the situation remains fragile.
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s efforts to warm ties with the US while deterring further Israeli incursions and promising protection for minorities could signal a shift in regional power dynamics.
What Are the Next Steps?
As reported by CGTN and Roya News, the ceasefire agreement stipulates a transition period, during which violations and security incidents will be monitored closely by international observers and both national governments. Provisions for accountability and the incorporation of minority groups into Syria’s ongoing political process are intended to prevent a repeat of the violence witnessed in Sweida.
- As reported by Reuters, both the Israeli embassy in Washington and the Syrian consulate in Canada declined immediate comment on the agreement.
- The White House noted the significance of the truce holding momentarily, yet cautioned against premature optimism.
- Israeli military spokespeople, cited by Times of Israel, reiterated that unauthorized border crossings would be dealt with strictly and urged restraint among the Israeli Druze community to avoid escalation.
- International NGOs continue to call for robust humanitarian access, citing the devastation and urgent needs faced by displaced families.
The ceasefire agreement in Sweida is at once a diplomatic breakthrough and a fragile truce. The collaborative, if tense, approach by Israel, Syria, and their international backers underscores the urgency of avoiding broader conflict and addressing the deep-rooted grievances driving violence in southern Syria. All eyes now rest on whether the deal’s promises—disarmament, accountability, and security for minorities—will be realized on the ground in the tumultuous days ahead.