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Israel and Syria, with U.S. support, have agreed to a cease-fire welcomed by Türkiye, Jordan, and neighboring countries, U.S. Ambassador to Ankara and Washington’s special envoy for Syria Tom Barrack announced early Saturday.
"Israeli Prime Minister @Netanyahu and Syrian President @SyPresidency supported by the U.S.A. @SecRubio have agreed to a cease-fire embraced by Türkiye, Jordan and its neighbors," Barrack, who also serves as US special envoy for Syria, said on X.
"We call upon Druze, Bedouins, and Sunnis to put down their weapons and together with other minorities build a new and united Syrian identity. We urge all Syrians to honor each other and live in peace and prosperity with their neighbors," Barrack added."
Earlier Friday, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan spoke with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio by phone to discuss the escalating situation in southern Syria, according to diplomatic sources.
Fidan stressed the urgent need to halt the clashes and restore calm, underlining the importance of implementing the understanding reached by the parties.
He warned that Israeli intervention in Syrian territory has aggravated the conflict and asserted that any violation of Syria’s territorial integrity, unity, and sovereignty undermines regional peace efforts.
Fidan also emphasized that terrorist groups must not be allowed to exploit the instability in southern Syria. He reiterated Türkiye’s support for the constructive role of the United States and expressed readiness to cooperate with Washington and others for a lasting solution.
“The opportunity to build a future for the Syrian people should not be missed,” Fidan reportedly told Rubio.
The two also discussed the ongoing situation in Gaza and the progress of cease-fire talks. Fidan called for the establishment of a permanent cease-fire and the urgent delivery of humanitarian aid to the region.
Despite the cease-fire announcement, fighting continues in western and northern parts of Sweida Governorate between Bedouin tribal forces and armed Druze groups.
The violence began Sunday with limited skirmishes that prompted Syrian regime intervention. Dozens of regime soldiers were later killed in retaliatory attacks by Druze militias.
A temporary cease-fire soon collapsed, and Israel escalated its involvement, citing protection of Druze communities. On Wednesday, Israeli warplanes struck targets in four provinces, including the General Staff headquarters and the presidential palace in Damascus.
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