The U.S. Special Envoy to Syria, Tom Barrack, announced this morning that Israel and Syria have agreed to a ceasefire. This development follows Israel’s military intervention this week in the sectarian fighting between Syrian government forces and rival armed groups.
Agreement Details Remain Scarce
In a statement on ‘X’, Barrack wrote: “Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa agreed to a ceasefire,” without providing further details on the agreement. The ceasefire, brokered with the support of U.S. Secretary of State Mark Rubio, has also received backing from Turkey, Jordan, and Syria’s other neighbors.
In his post, Barrack added: “We call on the Druze, Bedouins, and Sunnis to lay down their arms and, together with other minorities, build a new and united Syrian identity – in peace and prosperity with their neighbors.”
Context of Israeli Intervention
This ceasefire comes after Israel launched airstrikes in Damascus and struck Syrian government forces in the south on July 19, demanding their withdrawal. Tel Aviv has emphasized that it is protecting Druze communities in Syria from potential attacks.
If implemented, this ceasefire could mark a significant diplomatic breakthrough in a conflict that has displaced nearly 80,000 people in less than a week and highlighted the complex sectarian tensions still afflicting Syria.
Israel’s direct military intervention to protect Druze communities in Syria represents an unusual cross-border involvement, which could set precedents for future regional conflicts involving minority groups.
