Israel, Syria have agreed to ceasefire: US envoy

U.S. Ambassador to Turkey and Special Envoy for Syria Tom Barrack said that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa have reached a ceasefire agreement, marking a significant step towards peace. This development, shared by Barrack on X (formerly Twitter), is supported by the United States, Turkey, Jordan, and neighbouring countries.

Call for Unity Among Syrian Communities

Along with the ceasefire announcement, Barrack urged all Syrian communities to come together. He called on Druze, Bedouins, Sunnis, and other minorities to lay down their arms and help build a peaceful and united Syria. “We invite all communities to join hands and work towards a new identity based on peace and prosperity,” he said.

Clashes in Suwayda and Israeli Airstrikes

The ceasefire comes after Israeli airstrikes earlier in the week, which Israel claimed were meant to protect the Druze community in Syria. Fierce clashes in the southern province of Suwayda have caused heavy casualties, particularly between Druze, Bedouin fighters, and pro-government forces, as reported by CNN.

Shortly after the truce was declared, the Syrian government started stationing internal security personnel in Suwayda on Saturday. However, overnight violence continued, raising doubts about the effectiveness of the truce. Syria stated the ceasefire aims to “save lives, preserve national unity, and ensure public safety.”

Syrian President Responds to Escalation

President Ahmed al-Sharaa acknowledged receiving appeals from other countries to intervene and bring order back to Suwayda in a televised speech. He blamed the Israeli strikes for reigniting tensions in the region and described the situation as a “dangerous turning point”. Despite this, he expressed gratitude to the United States for supporting peace efforts.

A spokesman for Syria's Interior Ministry, Noureddine al-Baba, confirmed that security forces had been sent to protect civilians and restore order in the region.

Uncertainty on the Ground and Humanitarian Impact

It is still unknown whether Syrian troops are positioned outside of Suwayda city or have really penetrated it, according to Mohamed Vall of Al Jazeera. Druze leaders remain divided — some are welcoming the ceasefire, while others continue to resist. Additionally, Bedouin warriors are awaiting additional official information.

Vall noted that the Syrian president emphasised national unity and described his government’s role as a neutral mediator between all sides. He praised the people of Suwayda and called the city’s residents “noble”, except for a few who he said were stirring unrest.

Fighting reportedly continued through the night, but many locals saw the arrival of Syrian forces as a hopeful sign.

Deaths, Displacement, and Tensions at the Border

At least 260 fatalities have been reported by the Syrian Health Ministry in Suwayda, a city with a Druze majority. An estimated 80,000 individuals have left the region as a result of the violence, according to the International Organisation for Migration (IOM). Many are facing harsh conditions, lacking electricity and water, as reported by Al Jazeera.

Israeli troops broke up a group of Druze protesters on Friday night in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, close to the Majdal Shams neighbourhood. Some protestors reportedly crossed into Syrian territory before being pushed back.

Damascus believes that recent comments from U.S. envoy Barrack and Israeli officials gave a green light to send Syrian forces into Suwayda, even though Israel had earlier warned against it.