19.07.2025 08:41
The U.S. Ambassador to Turkey and Special Representative for Syria, Tom Barrack, announced that Israel and Syria have agreed to a ceasefire supported by Turkey, Jordan, and other neighbors. The clashes that began on July 13 between Druze and Bedouin groups in Suwayda escalated with Israeli airstrikes, leading to a major humanitarian crisis that resulted in the deaths of hundreds of people.
After the clashes that began in the southern Syrian province of Suwayda, hopes for a diplomatic solution emerged for the wave of violence that shook the region. Tom Barrack, the U.S. Ambassador to Turkey and also the Special Representative for Syria, announced that Syria and Israel have agreed on a ceasefire with U.S. mediation, supported by Turkey, Jordan, and neighboring countries.
"LET'S BUILD A NEW AND UNITED SYRIA"
In his official statement, Barrack directly called on the parties, saying, "We urge the Druze, Bedouins, and Sunnis to lay down their arms and work together to build a new and united Syria." He also noted that Syrian President Ahmed al-Shara and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu mutually accepted the ceasefire decision. In a social media post, Barrack stated, "We call on all Syrians to respect each other and live in peace and prosperity with their neighbors."
HUNDREDS OF CASUALTIES, DEEPENING HUMANITARIAN CRISIS
The toll of the clashes and the attacks carried out by Israel has been heavy. It is estimated that hundreds of people have lost their lives in Suwayda and surrounding areas. A serious humanitarian crisis is unfolding in settlements where access to electricity, food, and clean water has been cut off.
IS THE HOPE FOR PEACE A FRAGILE CEASEFIRE?
Although the new ceasefire agreement announced by Tom Barrack is considered an important step to stop the chaos in the region, experts are cautious about its permanence. The risk of uncontrolled escalation among armed groups remains, especially in the absence of security forces in the area.
WHAT HAPPENED?
In the events that began on July 13 in Suwayda, clashes erupted between Bedouin Arab tribes and some armed Druze groups. Dozens of soldiers lost their lives in attacks by Druze groups on the Syrian security forces deployed to the region, after which a short-lived ceasefire was declared. However, the situation quickly spiraled out of control. The Israeli army targeted critical points such as the presidential compound, the General Staff, and the Ministry of Defense in Damascus on July 16. New airstrikes were carried out on Daraa and Damascus on the same day. Although another temporary ceasefire was declared, clashes reignited on July 17 when some Druze groups forcibly displaced Bedouin Arabs. With the withdrawal of security forces from the region, the tension was left entirely to the initiative of local armed groups.