Syrian President pledges Druze protection amid Israel strikes

Syria's interior ministry and a Druze religious leader have announced a new ceasefire, which seems to be holding, as government troops withdraw from a significant city.

On Thursday, July 17, 2025, Syria's president emphasized the importance of protecting the rights of the Druze population after Israel's warning to destroy forces attacking the minority.

Several hundred individuals have reportedly died this week in the southern part of Syria due to clashes involving local fighters, government forces, and Bedouin tribes.

Following the president's statement and the ceasefire agreement, Syrian government troops have mostly pulled out from the volatile southern province of Sweida. Druze factions and clerics have been tasked with maintaining internal security under the agreement.

In response to escalating violence in Sweida, Israel conducted airstrikes, targeting the defense ministry in Damascus and a location near the presidential palace on Wednesday. Israel has vowed to combat any terrorist threats along its borders.

The Druze population, followers of an Islamic offshoot, are estimated to be around one million, residing in Syria, Lebanon, and Israel.

Sharaa, Syria's interim leader since President Assad's departure last year, reiterated in a televised address on Wednesday that they reject any external influence on the Druze community. He also accused Israel of destabilizing Syria since the fall of the former regime.

The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that over 300 people had died in the recent violence as of Wednesday morning. About 1,000 Druze individuals breached a fence into southern Syria on Wednesday to provide assistance.

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu urged people not to enter Syria, warning against allowing southern Syria to become a terrorist stronghold. The UN Security Council is set to discuss the situation, despite the US secretary of state claiming America had brokered an end to the violence.

According to Reuters sources in the area, the situation appeared calm on Thursday morning following the intervention efforts.