Tensions in southern Syria have escalated significantly following Israeli airstrikes targeting government forces, exacerbating violence that has led to over 300 deaths in recent days.
**US and Allies Propose Ceasefire to Curb Violence Amid Israeli Strikes in Syria**
**US and Allies Propose Ceasefire to Curb Violence Amid Israeli Strikes in Syria**
The US Secretary of State announces a plan to halt escalating violence as Israel intensifies military action in Syria amid sectarian clashes.
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Israel launched strikes against the Syrian defense ministry and military positions in southern Syria, amid escalating sectarian violence in the Druze-majority province of Suweida. Since Sunday, clashes between Druze militias and Bedouin tribes have resulted in the deaths of over 300 individuals, with both sides suffering casualties. Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu indicated the military action aims to protect Druze communities, while Syria's foreign ministry condemned Israel's actions as "treacherous aggression."
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed grave concerns over the violence but conveyed optimism that a resolution through "specific steps" would swiftly end the conflict. In contrast, the Syrian foreign ministry expressed gratitude towards the US and Arab nations for their efforts to mediate the crisis.
Reports indicate that Syrian troops are reportedly withdrawing from parts of Suweida city, in alignment with agreements made with religious leaders in the region, following intensified military clashes. Israeli airstrikes commenced several days ago, targeting the deployment of Syrian security forces and related military assets. Tensions among minority groups like the Druze have been fueled by their distrust of interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa's administration, despite reassurances of protection.
As the violence spirals, Israel has been adamant about protecting its Druze neighbors. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that the military will fiercely combat groups threatening the Druze until they are entirely ousted from the area. Eyewitness accounts describe chaos in Suweida following the strikes, highlighting a severe humanitarian crisis with reports of casualties in hospitals and significant shortages of essential supplies.
Operational developments reported by the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights detailed the deterioration of conditions, with the Syrian health ministry documenting the disturbing aftermath of military confrontations, including the discovery of "dozens of bodies" following the retreat of armed groups.
The clashes reportedly began with the abduction of a Druze merchant and escalated as armed groups seized control of parts of Suweida. Syria's government recently announced that order would be restored, citing the dangerous escalation of violence attributed to the lack of effective governance.
In light of the volatile situation, Israel has reiterated its stance against the presence of groups it perceives as threats to its national security, insisting on demilitarization in regions bordering its territory. With the continuing bloodshed, the prospect of a durable ceasefire remains uncertain amid underlying suspicions and divisions that persist in the region.
Israel launched strikes against the Syrian defense ministry and military positions in southern Syria, amid escalating sectarian violence in the Druze-majority province of Suweida. Since Sunday, clashes between Druze militias and Bedouin tribes have resulted in the deaths of over 300 individuals, with both sides suffering casualties. Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu indicated the military action aims to protect Druze communities, while Syria's foreign ministry condemned Israel's actions as "treacherous aggression."
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed grave concerns over the violence but conveyed optimism that a resolution through "specific steps" would swiftly end the conflict. In contrast, the Syrian foreign ministry expressed gratitude towards the US and Arab nations for their efforts to mediate the crisis.
Reports indicate that Syrian troops are reportedly withdrawing from parts of Suweida city, in alignment with agreements made with religious leaders in the region, following intensified military clashes. Israeli airstrikes commenced several days ago, targeting the deployment of Syrian security forces and related military assets. Tensions among minority groups like the Druze have been fueled by their distrust of interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa's administration, despite reassurances of protection.
As the violence spirals, Israel has been adamant about protecting its Druze neighbors. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that the military will fiercely combat groups threatening the Druze until they are entirely ousted from the area. Eyewitness accounts describe chaos in Suweida following the strikes, highlighting a severe humanitarian crisis with reports of casualties in hospitals and significant shortages of essential supplies.
Operational developments reported by the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights detailed the deterioration of conditions, with the Syrian health ministry documenting the disturbing aftermath of military confrontations, including the discovery of "dozens of bodies" following the retreat of armed groups.
The clashes reportedly began with the abduction of a Druze merchant and escalated as armed groups seized control of parts of Suweida. Syria's government recently announced that order would be restored, citing the dangerous escalation of violence attributed to the lack of effective governance.
In light of the volatile situation, Israel has reiterated its stance against the presence of groups it perceives as threats to its national security, insisting on demilitarization in regions bordering its territory. With the continuing bloodshed, the prospect of a durable ceasefire remains uncertain amid underlying suspicions and divisions that persist in the region.
