The Syria ceasefire puzzle: US, Turkey, and Israel intervene, Druze resist
A ceasefire has paused the days-long clashes in eastern Syria between Arab tribes and the Druze, which left over a thousand people dead, following interventions by the US and Turkey. However, the demands and celebrations of the Druze leadership have sparked a new crisis.
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Intense clashes in eastern Syria between Arab tribes and Druze militias have ended following diplomatic intervention by the US and Turkey. While it is reported that over a thousand people lost their lives in the fighting, the parties have agreed to a ceasefire.
A temporary ceasefire was established as part of an agreement between the Suwayda Military Council and Arab Bedouin tribes. However, the cessation of hostilities has not fully lowered tensions on the ground.
SECRET AGREEMENT WITH ISRAEL IN SUWAYDA
A statement from the Syrian Ministry of Interior announced that a temporary agreement had been reached with Israel. According to this, in exchange for Israel's commitment not to attack Syrian government forces for the next 24 hours, it was stated that Syrian forces would be permitted to deploy to Suwayda to ensure security.
The ministry also emphasized that any violation of the ceasefire would be considered a “clear attack on sovereignty.”
DRUZE REJECT CEASEFIRE, BEGIN CELEBRATIONS
The spiritual leader of the Druze, Hikmat al-Hijri, announced that they do not accept the terms of the ceasefire. Al-Hijri argued that Bedouin families in Suwayda should be expelled from the city and that Syrian security forces should not be allowed into the city center. Instead, he proposed that the forces remain outside the city.
Al-Hijri's demands contradict the terms of the signed ceasefire. This situation creates the risk of new clashes breaking out in the near future. Nevertheless, the Druze community in Suwayda views the latest developments as a “victory” and has begun celebrations in the city.
ISRAELI DRUZE CROSS BORDER FROM GOLAN HEIGHTS
The Israeli military announced on Saturday that dozens of Israeli Druze had crossed the border and entered the village of Majdal Shams in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. It was reported that there was tension with Israeli security forces during the dispersal of the crowd that had gathered throughout the night, and that some Druze resorted to violence.
DRUZE CALL ON YPG FOR “HUMANITARIAN CORRIDOR”
Druze leader Hikmat al-Hijri in Suwayda made a direct appeal to the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which is spearheaded by the YPG, emphasizing the need to open a humanitarian aid corridor between the eastern Deir ez-Zor region and Suwayda.
For the first time, the SDF responded positively to this call. A statement from the organization's council said, “We will respond to Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri's call to open a humanitarian aid corridor to occupied northern and eastern Syria.”
TURKEY OPPOSES THE CORRIDOR
The potential for this planned corridor to establish a connection line between the SDF, Druze militias, and Israel is viewed as a serious security threat by Turkey. Ankara assesses that such formations are intended to disrupt the existing balances in the region.