Syria Declares Immediate Ceasefire – Israel Blamed for Escalation
Syria Accuses Israel of Interference Amidst Suweida Tensions and Ceasefire Efforts
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Damascus, syria - Syrian President Ahmed al-Shara has strongly condemned recent Israeli air attacks on the Suweida region, labeling them as a blatant interference in the country’s internal affairs.The offensive,aimed at expelling local troops,has ignited a complex geopolitical situation,with Israel citing the protection of the Druze minority as a primary justification. Though, al-Shara has pushed back, characterizing Israel and the Druze as “armed groups” with “separatist ambitions.”
Escalating Tensions and Diplomatic Maneuvers
The Syrian president’s remarks came during a period of heightened regional tension, following Israeli airstrikes that targeted areas in suweida. Israel’s stated rationale for the offensive centers on safeguarding the Druze population, who are reportedly facing pressure from Bedouin groups aligned with Damascus. Al-Shara, however, disputes this narrative, suggesting a broader agenda behind Israel’s actions.
“The absence of the Syrian state in these areas would cause generalized chaos and could rekindle the confrontations on a larger scale,” al-Shara stated,emphasizing the need for Syrian state authority to maintain stability. While acknowledging the Bedouin population, he stressed that they cannot usurp the role of the state. He also affirmed that the Druze, a meaningful minority in Suweida, would not be allowed to undermine the region’s continued integration within the Syrian state.The syrian president also took the prospect to express gratitude to American and Arab mediators for their efforts in restoring calm. He further acknowledged the supportive stances of Türkiye, the European Union, Russia, and China in their rejection of the Israeli bombings, which he views as a clear violation of Syrian sovereignty.
Israel’s Rebuttal and the Ceasefire Proclamation
Israel, in response to al-Shara’s address, expressed its displeasure. Foreign Minister Gideon Saar issued a statement accusing the Syrian president of supporting “jihadist attackers,” a reference to the Bedouin tribes. Saar further contended that al-Shara was blaming the victims, referring to the Druze minority who he claims were attacked.
The announcement of a ceasefire comes amidst significant pressure from Israel. Following the recent airstrikes,Israel agreed on Friday to the deployment of Syrian troops on the ground in an attempt to de-escalate the situation. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had previously boasted about achieving “peace with force.” Notably, some Israeli ministers have openly called for the elimination of al-Shara, who assumed leadership following the overthrow of the Bashar al-Assad regime last December.
Shifting Alliances and International Legitimacy
Despite the regional friction, Syrian president al-Shara has found a crucial ally in Washington. His meetings with President Donald Trump and the subsequent lifting of sanctions on Syria have significantly bolstered his international legitimacy. This diplomatic support from the United States provides a counterpoint to the pressures exerted by Israel and its allies,positioning Syria to navigate the complex regional dynamics.