Syria and Israel Agree to Ceasefire

Syria and Israel have reached a ceasefire agreement after days of violence in southern Syria, with regional support from Turkey and Jordan.

U.S. Ambassador to Turkey, Tom Barrack, announced on Friday that Israel and Syria have agreed to a ceasefire in the Sweida region of southern Syria. The agreement, backed by Turkey, Jordan, and other neighboring countries, comes after days of intense fighting in the mainly Druze area, which left over 300 people dead.

In a post on X, Barrack urged the Druze, Bedouins, Sunnis, and other minority groups to lay down their arms and unite in building a new Syrian identity. His statement followed reports that Israel had launched airstrikes in Damascus and southern Syria last week, targeting Syrian government forces and demanding their withdrawal, citing the protection of the Druze community as its primary goal.

An Israeli official told Reuters that Israel has agreed to grant limited access to Syrian forces in Sweida for 48 hours to help contain the violence. While both Syria and Israel have yet to make formal public statements, the move suggests a fragile pause in hostilities, facilitated by regional diplomatic efforts.

The Syrian presidency later confirmed that government forces would be deployed in the south to restore order, prevent renewed violence, and support political and security initiatives for long-term stability. However, Syrian troops, earlier sent to quell the unrest, were accused of committing abuses against Druze civilians before withdrawing under the Israeli attacks and the ceasefire deal.

Fighting in the Sweida province erupted between Bedouin fighters and Druze factions, plunging the area into nearly a week of bloodshed. Israel, responding to internal pressure from its own Druze minority, has pledged to protect the Druze in Syria, accusing the Syrian regime of enabling jihadist elements under the guise of state control.

Despite historically opposing any Syrian military presence in the south, Israel has temporarily relaxed its stance to allow a brief window for conflict de-escalation. An unnamed Israeli official told reporters that the decision was made due to ongoing instability and humanitarian concerns in southwest Syria.

This ceasefire, although tentative, reflects a rare moment of indirect coordination between adversaries in the region. Whether this leads to more lasting calm remains uncertain, especially amid complex sectarian tensions and international mistrust.

Observers warn that unless political and humanitarian solutions are prioritized alongside military restraint, the region may relapse into renewed violence. The coming days will test the durability of the ceasefire and the willingness of involved actors to uphold peace over power.

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