19.07.2025 13:20
A comprehensive ceasefire has been declared following the clashes between Druze and Arab tribes in the Suwayda region of Syria. Syrian President Ahmed Shara condemned Israel's attacks and particularly thanked Turkey for its efforts towards peace.
The increasing tension between Druze and Arab tribes in the city of Sweida, Syria, has led to the withdrawal of security forces from the region. Taking advantage of this environment, Israel has launched a series of attacks on Damascus, citing the internal conflicts as justification. Israel, which has shifted its focus to Syria after Gaza, has faced backlash from the international community for its aggressive stance.
"ISRAEL ESCALATED TENSION"
As the conflicts spiraled out of control, security forces decided to re-enter Sweida. During the moments of heightened tension, a comprehensive ceasefire was declared in the region. Syrian President Ahmed Shara, in his first statement after the ceasefire, expressed his gratitude to the tribes in the area, stating, "Syria is not a field for separatist projects. Israel escalated the tension in Sweida."
"I THANK TURKEY FOR ITS SUPPORT"
Shara's remarks particularly drew attention regarding Turkey. Praising Ankara's efforts for peace, the Syrian leader stated, "I thank Turkey for its support. The role of countries like Turkey, which provide generous support, cannot be overlooked. It has been at the center of efforts supporting stability and peace in the region."
WHAT HAPPENED?
In the early hours, security forces arriving in Sweida were intercepted by armed militias, forcing the convoy to retreat to Daraa province. Following the declaration of a ceasefire, security forces affiliated with the Syrian government began to deploy in Sweida province.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Ambassador to Turkey and Special Representative for Syria, Tom Barrack, announced that Syria and Israel had agreed to a comprehensive ceasefire with the approval of Turkey, Jordan, and neighboring countries. Barrack stated that all ethnic groups were called to lay down their arms and build a new and united Syria.
WHY IS ISRAEL SUPPORTING THE DRUZE?
The Druze community collaborated with Zionist militias before the establishment of the State of Israel. During the war in 1948, the Druze sided with Israel and continue to serve in the Israeli army today. However, Druze in Israel have occasionally expressed that they feel treated as second-class citizens. Protests involving tens of thousands of Druze were held against the "Jewish Nation-State Law" enacted in 2018.
Following the clashes that began on July 13, when Druze groups seized vehicles belonging to Bedouin tribes, Israel intervened in Syria under the pretext of protecting the Druze minority. The Israeli government had previously promised both military and political support to the Druze.
The ideological divisions within the Druze community in Syria have become more pronounced during this process. Sheikh Yusuf al-Jarbu, a prominent religious leader in Sweida, declared their opposition to foreign interventions, while Hikmet al-Hijri, known for his closeness to Israel, openly called for intervention from both Israel and the U.S.