Israeli Airstrikes Hit Suwayda Amid Renewed Clashes Despite Ceasefire Declaration

Israeli forces launched a series of airstrikes on Suwayda in southern Syria, just hours after the Syrian government had announced a ceasefire in the predominantly Druze city. The situation on the ground quickly deteriorated as violence reignited between armed factions.

Why after Ceasefire?

According to a statement released on Tuesday by Syria’s Ministry of Interior, armed groups resumed their attacks on government positions with direct backing from the Israeli Air Force. The Syrian government strongly condemned Israel’s actions, calling them a blatant violation of international law.

Meanwhile, prominent Druze spiritual leader Sheikh Hikmat al-Hajri accused Syrian government troops of breaking the ceasefire, contradicting the official narrative from Damascus. In response to what he described as a “barbaric assault” by regime forces, he called on local Druze fighters to defend themselves.

Israel has justified its military intervention in southern Syria, claiming it is acting to protect the Druze community—an ethnic and religious minority that Israel sees as a potential regional ally.

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Israeli Minister of Diaspora Affairs, Amichai Chikli, took to social media to support the Druze cause, stating, “We cannot stand idly by as massacres and abuses target the Druze. It is a grave mistake to recognize Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa as a legitimate leader.”

Since Sunday, more than 30 people have reportedly been killed and over 100 injured in the ongoing clashes between local Druze factions and Bedouin tribal groups. The long-standing tension between these communities in Suwayda has flared up into open violence on multiple occasions.

U.S. Special Envoy for Syria, Tom Barrack, said Washington is actively engaging with all parties to de-escalate the situation and promote peaceful integration.

Al Jazeera correspondent Osama Bin Javaid, reporting from Damascus, noted that the conflict has “further intensified, with Israeli air and drone strikes reportedly in support of Druze militias.”