The development comes as fierce fighting continues between Druze factions and Bedouin clans in Syria’s southern Sweida province. The ongoing violence has triggered a major humanitarian crisis, displacing tens of thousands of people and disrupting access to essential services
Bedouin tribesmen hold guns in Sweida, in Syria’s southern province, despite an announcement by the Syrian interim president of an “immediate ceasefire” on Saturday. PIC/AFP
Israel and Syria agreed to a ceasefire following Israeli military intervention in southern Syria, where government forces have been embroiled in violent clashes with Bedouin tribes and armed Druze groups, news agency AP reported. The announcement on the ceasefire was made by United States envoy to Syria, Tom Barrack.
The development comes as fierce fighting continues between Druze factions and Bedouin clans in Syria’s southern Sweida province. The ongoing violence has triggered a major humanitarian crisis, displacing tens of thousands of people and disrupting access to essential services.
Earlier this week, Syrian government forces had pulled back from Sweida under a separate truce with Druze factions, after Israel conducted a series of airstrikes targeting Syrian military convoys and even struck the Syrian Ministry of Defence headquarters in Damascus. Israel stated its actions were aimed at protecting the Druze minority—who are also a significant and loyal community within Israel, many of whom serve in the Israeli military.
In a statement posted on the social media platform X, Barrack said the ceasefire was supported by Turkey, Jordan, and other regional states. He urged the Druze, Bedouins, and Sunnis to “put down their weapons and together with other minorities build a new and united Syrian identity in peace and prosperity with its neighbours.” No further details of the agreement were disclosed.
Meanwhile, Syria’s interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa announced earlier on Friday that the government intended to deploy a “specialised force to break up clashes and resolve the conflict on the ground” in Sweida. Two Syrian officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed a deal had been reached with Druze factions allowing government forces to re-enter Sweida and restore order, AP reported. However, they later reported the deployment was postponed without explanation.
A deepening crisis
The current crisis erupted last Sunday when skirmishes broke out between Druze militias and Sunni Bedouin tribes. Although Syrian government forces initially intervened under the pretext of restoring order, they were soon accused of siding with the Bedouins, triggering fierce resistance from Druze groups. In response, Israel launched a series of air raids in support of the Druze, escalating the situation dramatically.
The fighting has left hundreds dead over the past four days. There are credible reports that pro-government forces committed atrocities against Druze civilians, including executions and widespread looting and arson, reported AP.
On Wednesday, a ceasefire negotiated by the United States, Turkey, and Arab nations was announced. According to President al-Sharaa, the terms included a government withdrawal from Sweida, with Druze clerics and factions assuming responsibility for internal security.
Resurgent clashes and displacement
Despite the ceasefire, violence resumed late Thursday, with Druze militias reportedly launching retaliatory attacks on Bedouin communities. Syrian state media accused “outlaw groups” of attacking Bedouin tribes, while the governor of neighbouring Daraa province confirmed over 1,000 families had fled into the area to escape the violence.
The Syrian Civil Defence group—known as the White Helmets—reported Friday that the head of its Sweida city centre, Hamza al-Amarin, was kidnapped by unidentified gunmen on Wednesday. He had been en route to assist a United Nations team when he was intercepted. While a caller later claimed he was safe, the group has been unable to make further contact.
The United Nations’ International Organisation for Migration said Friday that nearly 80,000 people had been displaced since the fighting began. Essential services such as water, electricity, and telecommunications have largely collapsed in Sweida, while hospitals and clinics in both Sweida and Daraa are struggling under immense pressure.
Adam Abdelmoula, the UN’s Resident and Humanitarian Affairs Coordinator in Syria, said supply routes have been severely disrupted due to insecurity and road closures. “Once conditions allow, we are planning to send a mission to assess needs and provide critical aid, in full coordination with authorities,” he stated.
Widening involvement
Bedouin supporters from other parts of Syria are now reportedly joining the fray. On Friday, groups gathered on the outskirts of Sweida, standing before charred buildings. One armed man, identifying himself only as Abu Mariam from Deir ez-Zor province, said he had come “to support the oppressed.”
“We will not return to our homes until we crush Al-Hijri and his ilk,” he declared, referring to prominent anti-government Druze cleric Sheikh Hikmat Al-Hijri. “We have nothing to do with civilians and innocent people as long as they stay in their homes,” he added.
With the conflict expanding and humanitarian conditions worsening, international attention is turning to whether the fragile ceasefire can hold—and whether any lasting peace can be brokered in Syria’s long-fractured south.
(With AP inputs)
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