Israel, Syria agree to US-brokered ceasefire in Paris talks

Israeli and Syrian officials met in Paris on July 24 and agreed to a US-mediated ceasefire aimed at ending deadly clashes in southern Syria, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) and US envoy Tom Barrack.

The closed-door meeting, confirmed by Barrack on social media, brought together Israel’s Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer and Syria’s Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani, Caliber.Az reports via Israeli media. 

“Our goal was dialogue and de-escalation, and we accomplished precisely that. All parties reiterated their commitment to continuing these efforts, Barrackn wrote on X. 

According to SOHR, the ceasefire agreement includes the withdrawal of Bedouin tribes and Syrian government forces from Druze-populated villages in Suwayda. Local Druze factions will verify the absence of outside forces, while newly formed local councils will take over service provision. A US-supervised committee will also be established to monitor violations.

The deal further stipulates the disarmament of the towns of Quneitra and Daraa, where local security committees composed of residents will be formed, with the condition that they do not hold heavy weapons.

SOHR reports that over 1,300 people have been killed in ongoing violence in Suwayda province, including casualties from Israeli airstrikes and clashes involving Syrian government-linked armed groups.

On the same day, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held talks in Jerusalem with Sheikh Muwaffaq Tarif, the spiritual leader of Israel’s Druze community.

By Sabina Mammadli