Israel Launches Strikes in Syria Amid Clashes; Ceasefire Brokered with U.S. Support
Israel carried out airstrikes in Syria’s capital, Damascus, and in the country’s southern region on Wednesday, citing the protection of the Druze minority as a key motive. The strikes come as sectarian clashes between Bedouin and Druze factions have engulfed Sweida province for nearly a week.
Israeli officials said the operations aimed to prevent widespread human rights violations allegedly carried out by Syrian government troops against the Druze community. The strikes were followed by a short-term truce between Israel and Syria, brokered with support from Turkey, Jordan, and the United States.
“In light of ongoing instability in southwest Syria, Israel has agreed to allow limited entry of Syrian internal security forces into the Sweida district for the next 48 hours,” an Israeli official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told reporters on Friday.
The truce, facilitated by U.S. diplomatic efforts, appears to be holding, according to a statement by the White House. U.S. Ambassador to Turkey Tom Barrack called on Syria’s minorities — including Druze, Sunnis, and Bedouins — to unite under a new Syrian identity.
Despite the ceasefire, tensions remain high as thousands of Bedouin fighters were seen entering Sweida on Friday. Local sources and news outlet Sweida24 confirmed continued clashes in the north and west of the province. The region faces a worsening humanitarian crisis, with residents reporting severe shortages of electricity, food, water, and fuel.
“For four days, there has been no electricity, no fuel, no food, no drink — nothing at all,” said Mudar, a 28-year-old Sweida resident, who withheld his last name for security reasons.
According to the Syrian Network for Human Rights, at least 321 people have died since Sunday, including women, children, and medical workers. The group documented incidents of field executions by multiple factions. Syria’s emergency ministry reported over 500 people wounded and hundreds of families evacuated.
A convoy of Syrian interior ministry forces remained stationed in neighboring Daraa province on Friday, awaiting final clearance to enter Sweida. Damascus had previously deployed troops to the area but pulled them back after Israeli airstrikes targeted alleged human rights abuses.
The U.N. human rights office has urged Syrian interim authorities to ensure accountability after reports of summary executions and kidnappings. On Tuesday, at least 13 people were reportedly killed unlawfully, including six men executed near their homes.
Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa condemned Israel’s involvement, accusing it of attempting to divide Syria, while pledging to protect the Druze minority. Meanwhile, Israeli officials remain skeptical of Syria’s new Islamist-led leadership. The U.S. has distanced itself from Israel’s military actions, clarifying it does not support recent strikes.
The U.N. refugee agency has called on all parties to guarantee humanitarian access to civilians trapped in the conflict zone.
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