Syria declares a nationwide ceasefire after a US-brokered deal with Israel to end deadly sectarian violence in Sweida. The truce, supported by regional powers, aims to restore state control, deliver humanitarian aid, and prevent escalation. Leaders from both nations agreed under US mediation, ensuring regional peace efforts continue.
In a pivotal development toward restoring peace in the Middle East, Syrian authorities on Saturday announced a nationwide and immediate ceasefire following a high-level agreement brokered by the United States between Israel and Syria. The truce seeks to end the deadly sectarian violence that recently erupted in southern Syria’s Sweida province, triggering Israeli airstrikes and fears of a wider regional escalation.
The ceasefire, which came into effect immediately, marks a significant turning point in the ongoing unrest. According to an official statement released by the Syrian government, the decision was made “to preserve national unity and ensure the safety of civilians amid critical circumstances,” emphasizing that the move was both a “national and humanitarian obligation.”
The truce follows six days of violent clashes in the southern province of Sweida, where sectarian tensions boiled over, leaving hundreds dead and displacing thousands. The violence had escalated to the point where Israel intervened with massive airstrikes, reportedly targeting militant positions near the Syrian-Israeli border.
Saturday’s ceasefire announcement coincided with a public statement by U.S. Special Envoy for Syria, Tom Barrack, who disclosed via social media platform X (formerly Twitter) that a peace deal had been brokered by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Barrack revealed that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Syria’s interim leader Ahmed al-Sharaa had agreed to halt hostilities and support a political resolution to the conflict.
“This truce is a testament to the willingness of regional actors to pursue stability over destruction,” Barrack posted. “The people of Syria deserve peace, and this deal is a vital step forward.”
The deal has received backing from several regional powers, including Turkey, Jordan, and other neighboring countries, which have called for the immediate implementation of the ceasefire and the restoration of law and order in Sweida.
Under the terms of the agreement, Syrian governmental forces and institutions will be allowed to re-enter all areas of Sweida. Local TV stations, citing official sources, reported that military and security units are preparing to redeploy to former conflict zones to facilitate peacebuilding efforts.
The agreement also stipulates the disbanding of all local armed factions that have contributed to the unrest. These groups will be required to surrender heavy weaponry and submit to integration into national security and police forces, under the supervision of the central government.
In a move welcomed by international observers, the spiritual leadership of Syria’s Druze community—a religious minority heavily affected by the violence in Sweida—issued a public statement in support of the ceasefire. The Druze elders called for “a return to wisdom and reason,” urging all sides to honor the agreement and help restore stability to the region.
“The bloodshed must end. We support the return of legitimate institutions and call upon all Druze citizens to cooperate in rebuilding peace,” the statement read.
The Syrian government’s ceasefire declaration also includes strict warnings against violations. Any breach of the agreement, whether by armed groups or foreign actors, will be considered a “violation of national sovereignty” and met with “appropriate legal consequences,” the statement said.
Humanitarian concerns are central to the truce, as thousands of civilians have been displaced by the recent violence. The ceasefire agreement ensures that humanitarian aid will be delivered safely to affected communities. Aid agencies have already begun coordinating with both government and international stakeholders to mobilize resources for the recovery phase.
The United Nations welcomed the announcement, calling it a “crucial step” toward long-term peace in Syria. UN Special Envoy Geir Pedersen urged all parties to maintain the ceasefire and resume political negotiations under the Geneva process.
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Experts view the ceasefire as a rare but promising diplomatic success in a conflict that has spanned over a decade and claimed hundreds of thousands of lives. With U.S., Israeli, and Syrian cooperation at the forefront, analysts say this development could pave the way for broader conflict resolution mechanisms across the war-torn region.
Whether the ceasefire holds will depend largely on the commitment of all parties involved and their ability to navigate the complex web of regional interests. For now, the people of Syria can hope for a moment of calm after years of unrelenting chaos.
