Israel And Syria Agree To ceasefire: US Ambassador To Turkey

Israel and Syria have reached a ceasefire agreement, according to the U.S. envoy to Turkey. This comes after intense violence in a predominantly Druze region, resulting in over 300 casualties, Reuters reported.

The conflict saw Israel launching airstrikes on Damascus and targeting government forces in the south, with the stated aim of safeguarding Syrian Druze, a minority group with members also in Lebanon and Israel.

The Israeli embassy in Washington and the Syrian consulate in Canada have not yet commented on this development. Meanwhile, Syria's Sweida province has been experiencing turmoil for nearly a week due to clashes between Bedouin fighters and Druze factions. Earlier on Friday, an Israeli official mentioned that Israel would permit limited access for Syrian forces to the Sweida area for two days.

Ceasefire Support from Neighbours

Tom Barrack, the U.S. ambassador to Turkey, announced that both nations agreed to the ceasefire with backing from Turkey, Jordan, and neighbouring countries. He urged Druze, Bedouins, and Sunnis to disarm and collaborate with other minorities to forge a new Syrian 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," Barrack stated on X.

In response to ongoing instability in southwest Syria, Israel has allowed limited entry of Syrian internal security forces into the Sweida district for 48 hours. An unnamed official shared this information with reporters. Despite previous refusals to let Syrian troops deploy in the south, Israel granted this brief window to address renewed clashes.

Syria's Efforts for Stability

The Syrian presidency announced late Friday that authorities would send forces southward to end clashes. This move is part of broader political and security measures aimed at restoring stability and preventing further violence. Earlier attempts by Damascus involved deploying troops to quell fighting but faced accusations of violations against the Druze community before withdrawing under Wednesday's truce.

Israel had previously conducted more airstrikes on Sweida early Friday morning. The U.S., which played a role in securing an earlier truce between government forces and Druze fighters, noted that it seemed effective as per White House statements on Thursday.

Concerns Over Regional Dynamics

Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa accused Israel of attempting to divide Syria while pledging protection for its Druze minority. He has been working towards improving relations with the U.S., amidst these tensions. Describing Syria's new rulers as jihadists in disguise, Israel remains committed to defending the Druze community there.

With inputs from agencies.