The Syrian presidency has declared an “immediate ceasefire” in the southern city of Suweida, aiming to halt a week of deadly sectarian violence that has killed hundreds and plunged the city into chaos.
Fierce street battles between local Bedouin tribes and members of the Druze community have resulted in widespread bloodshed, with both sides accused of committing atrocities. Graphic videos circulating online depict bodies lying in the streets as clashes rage on.
“This moment requires unity of ranks and complete cooperation in order to overcome what we are all going through,” said Syria’s interim president Ahmed al-Sharaa, in an appeal for calm and reconciliation.
Despite the announcement, reports on Saturday indicated that hostilities had not fully ceased, raising questions about whether the ceasefire will hold on the ground.
The ceasefire was declared shortly after Syria’s internal security forces were deployed to Suweida in a bid to suppress the violence—a move Israel reportedly approved on the condition that Druze civilians are protected.
The Druze, a secretive religious minority with roots in Shia Islam, have long harbored distrust toward the government in Damascus. They are a minority not only in Syria but also in Israel and Lebanon.
Earlier this week, Israel entered the fray by targeting Syrian government positions, including the defense ministry in Damascus, stating its intention to protect the Druze population. On Saturday, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar expressed skepticism about President Sharaa’s renewed promise to safeguard Syria’s minorities.
“It is very dangerous to be part of a minority in Syria,” Saar wrote on social media. “This has been proven time and again over the past six months.” He urged the international community to ensure the safety and rights of Syria’s minority communities.
According to the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), at least 940 people have been killed since violence erupted last Sunday. The conflict initially began as a confrontation between Bedouin fighters and Druze groups but soon escalated with the involvement of Syrian government forces.
The ceasefire deal was first announced on Friday by U.S. Ambassador to Turkey and Special Envoy for Syria, Tom Barrack. He said both Syria and Israel had agreed to the truce, with regional backing from Turkey and Jordan. However, Israeli officials have yet to publicly confirm their commitment to the agreement.
“We call upon 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 neighbors,” Barrack said.
BBC Middle East correspondent Lina Sinjab reported that violence targeting the Druze community is now spreading beyond Suweida to other parts of the country, raising fears of broader sectarian unrest.
