Israel and Syria have agreed to a ceasefire following a week of intense violence in southern Syria’s Sweida province that left more than 300 people dead. The announcement was made Friday by U.S. envoy to Turkey Tom Barrack, who stated that the agreement was brokered with the support of regional powers, including Turkey and Jordan.
The fighting, which erupted between Bedouin fighters and Druze factions, had drawn international attention due to the scale of the bloodshed and the targeting of civilian populations. The Syrian Network for Human Rights reported at least 321 deaths since Sunday, including women, children, and medical workers. Dozens more were injured, and hundreds of families have been displaced.
Israeli airstrikes earlier in the week targeted government forces in Damascus and southern Syria, after accusations that Syrian troops had committed violations against the Druze minority. Israel, which has vowed to protect Druze communities in Syria, cited calls from its own Druze population and regional instability as justification for its actions.
Despite longstanding opposition to Syrian military presence near its border, Israel agreed Friday to allow Syrian internal security forces temporary access to Sweida for 48 hours to stabilize the situation. “In light of ongoing instability, Israel has agreed to limited entry of Syrian internal security forces into the Sweida district,” an Israeli official said.
Syria’s presidency confirmed plans to deploy forces aimed at restoring order in coordination with political and security mechanisms. President Ahmed al-Sharaa accused Israel of attempting to fracture Syria’s unity and reiterated the government’s commitment to protecting the Druze minority.
However, fears of renewed violence persist. Thousands of Bedouin fighters reportedly continued streaming into the region as of Friday, and clashes were still ongoing in parts of northern and western Sweida. The UN human rights office expressed concern over reports of summary executions and rights violations during the fighting, including the unlawful killing of at least 13 civilians in one incident.
Humanitarian conditions in the region remain dire. Residents report widespread shortages of food, water, and electricity, as well as disrupted communication lines.
The U.S., which helped secure an earlier truce, has urged restraint. However, it distanced itself from the recent Israeli strikes. Meanwhile, the UN has called for urgent humanitarian access and accountability for atrocities committed by all parties involved.