Washington, 19 July 2025 (dpa/MIA) - Israel and Syria have agreed to a ceasefire, according to US Special Envoy to Syria Thomas Barrack.

Clashes between Sunni Bedouins and Druze have escalated in recent days, centred on the Druze-majority city of Sweida, with Syrian government troops deployed to the area. More than 500 people have been killed in the violence.

Israel carried out airstrikes on multiple targets in Damascus on Wednesday, stating that its aim was to protect the Druze minority, describing them as allies. Many Druze serve voluntarily in the Israeli army.

Barrack said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, supported by the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, had agreed to a ceasefire "embraced" by Turkey, Jordan and its neighbours.

"We call upon Druze, Bedouins, and Sunnis to put down their weapons and together with other minorities build a new and united Syrian identity building peace and prosperity with their neighbours."

MIA file photo