The Israeli bombings follow statements from the Syrian government and a Druze leader claiming the truce had been broken.
The Syrian Ministry of Interior released a statement stating armed groups, with alleged support from the Israeli Air Force, resumed assaults on governmental forces.
Syria has decried Israel’s intervention as an international law violation. Meanwhile, the prominent Druze Sheikh Hikmat al-Hajri accused government forces of breaching the truce, which they announced earlier.
Following Hikmat al-Hajri’s call to arms, urging local fighters against what he termed as the barbaric assault by government forces, the Israeli air strikes were executed.
Israel claims that its campaign in southern Syria, particularly targeting Druze regions, is to safeguard the Druze minority—a potential ally.
Amichai Chikli, Israel’s Minister of Diaspora Affairs, has stated that the country cannot ignore the Druze’s conflict. Chikli asserts it is crucial to combat the terrorism regime in Syria and considers acknowledging President Ahmed al-Sharaa as the country’s legitimate leader to be a “grave mistake.”
Conflicts between Bedouin tribes and local Druze fighters, ongoing since Sunday, have reportedly taken over 30 lives and injured more than 100 in Suwayda. The area has seen repeated eruptions of violence due to historical feuds between Bedouin and Druze armed groups.
Tom Barrack, the United States envoy to Syria, is in contact with all parties, aiming for a de-escalation and integration process.
Osama Bin Javaid, Al Jazeera correspondent covering from Damascus, highlights that the situation in Suwayda has further intensified, with Israeli drones and air strikes allegedly supporting Druze fighters.
Syrian government declared ‘complete ceasefire’
The recent events come on the heels of a declaration by Syria’s Minister of Defence Murhaf Abu Qasra, announcing a truce through social media: “To all units operating within the city of Suways: we declare a complete ceasefire.”
Abu Qasra’s announcement followed the deployment of government forces to cease the conflict between Bedouin tribes and local fighters. The violence marks the first deadly outbreak in the region since April and May, when confrontations between the Druze community and security forces resulted in significant casualties.
The Druze population in Syria, estimated at around 700,000, with the majority residing in Suwayda province. Originating as a 10th-century offshoot of Shia Islam, the Druze are a religious minority.
Israel has carried out numerous air strikes on Syria since December 2024, averaging about one strike every three to four days.
The recent strikes coincide with Israel’s ongoing conflict with Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, having killed at least 58,479 people since October 2023. Israel has also targeted the occupied West Bank, Lebanon, Iran, and Yemen in recent months.
