Israel and Syria agreed to a ceasefire, US envoy to Damascus Tom Barrack said early on Saturday, as more clashes erupted in the Syrian Druze heartland after violence that included Israeli strikes.
On Wednesday, Israel launched a series of attacks against Syria, including striking the Ministry of Defence and the presidential palace, in what it claimed was an effort to protect the Druze community. But, diplomats and analysts said its goal is to weaken the new Syrian authorities
Mr Barrack, who also serves as US ambassador to Turkey, called on both communities to end the violence.
“We call upon Druze, Bedouin and Sunnis to put down their weapons and together with other minorities build a new and united Syrian identity in peace and prosperity with its neighbours.”
The Druze in the Sweida region have been clashing with Bedouin forces. Damascus sent soldiers to the region.
While the Syrian government announced an end to its military offensive in Sweida on Wednesday, sectarian violence erupted again on Friday as Bedouin clashed with Druze militia in the south-western region.
Hours later, the Spiritual Presidency of the Druze Unitarian Muslims issued a statement calling for an end to the violence.
“After all this pure blood that has been shed on our land, we renew our call today to adhere to our humanity and extend our hand to deal with every honourable person to end the current clashes, cease fire, and adhere to the voice of reason, wisdom, and humanity, not weapons and chaos,” the statement said.
More than 600 people, including civilians and fighters from both sides, as well as members of Syria's security forces, have been killed since fighting began earlier this week, according to the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.
On Friday, Syrian President Ahmad Al Shara said he would send more forces to Sweida to break up clashes and urging “all parties to exercise restraint and prioritise reason”.
