On July 16, just hours after Syrian Defense Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra declared a truce to curb massive sectarian violence between local Druze militias and Bedouin groups.
Israel launched several bombs on the Druze-majority city of Suwayda in southern Syria.
The Syrian Ministry of Interior claims that when rebels opened fire on government troops, the ceasefire was broken and that fighting resumed.
Israel, which claims to be the guardian of Syria’s Druze population, retaliated by attacking military sites and convoys in the province of Suwayda as well as areas close to Damascus.
Israeli leaders, such as Defense Minister Israel Katz and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, defended the strikes by arguing that they were required to protect the Druze and maintain a demilitarized area along the Israeli border.
Between 100 and 250 people, including fighters, civilians, and security personnel, have died in violence, according to human rights monitors.
Images from Reuters showed security personnel in the mayhem as smoke was seen rising above Suwayda.
The Syrian government said that Israel intended to take advantage of internal upheaval and denounced the strikes as a blatant violation of sovereignty.
Sheikh Hikmat al-Hajri, a prominent Druze leader, called for local defenders to resist and accused Damascus of violating the ceasefire.
Why it matters?
The instability of ceasefires in Syria’s complex conflict is shown by this escalation, which also shows how regional powers, like as Israel, might step in under the pretense of defending minority groups.
It also emphasizes how crucial youth-led diplomatic initiatives are to promoting a peaceful settlement of the war and protecting Syria’s civilian safety.
President Ahmad Al-Shara’s administration in Syria has shown tenacity and dedication to the country’s sovereignty.
Damascus has taken measures toward de-escalation, internal discussion, and the preservation of minority communities like the Druze, despite functioning in a setting rife with sectarian difficulties, foreign meddling, and the aftereffects of violence.
Restoring institutional stability and retaliating against unilateral action that jeopardizes Syria’s territorial integrity are priorities of President Al-Shara’s administration.
The Syrian government’s stance underscores the significance of self-determination, unity, and a Syrian-led road to peace and reconciliation in an area where proxy dynamics frequently predominate.
