Southern Syria Clashes (July 2025–present)

On 13 July 2025, fighting began between Druze and Bedouin armed groups in the city of Suwayda and its surrounding villages in southern Syria. The Syrian transitional government deployed the Syrian Armed Forces to the area to restore order between 14–16 July. An agreement was reached between Druze leaders and the government on 15 July, but one of the Druze leaders, Hikmat al-Hijri, called for armed resistance against the government and Bedouin. There have been reports of extrajudicial killings and abuse of both Druze and Bedouin civilians. Israel launched airstrikes on the Syrian military, saying it defends the Druze. Israel had recently invaded its buffer zone with southwestern Syria and had been demanding the Syrian military stay out of the region. Syria's foreign ministry accused Israel of inflaming sectarian tensions to undermine the new Syrian government. Another ceasefire agreement was reached on 16 July, and the Syrian Armed Forces withdrew from Suwayda. Following the withdrawal, al-Hijri-aligned Druze groups reportedly committed massacres against local Bedouin tribes, leading to a mass exodus to the neighboring Daraa Governorate. The clashes are considered part of the aftermath of the Syrian civil war.

Background

The Druze, who make up about three percent of Syria's population, have largely remained neutral during the country's civil war that began in 2011. Druze communities exist in Lebanon, and in Israel in Galilee and in the Israeli-occupied Syrian Golan Heights. Druze citizens of Israel are conscripted to the IDF. While most Druze in Israel identify as Israeli citizens, Druze living in the occupied Golan still identify as Syrians and have close ties to family on the other side of the border.

Druze groups were involved in conflict earlier in the year, including clashes in February with the Syrian government in Jaramana, a Damascus suburb, and clashes in Southern Syria with Bedouin tribes that began in April and lasted until May.

The clashes occurred about seven months after the fall of the Assad regime in December 2024. Following this change in leadership, Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa vowed to protect minorities across the country.

Druze factions in Syria are divided in their approach to the new authorities, ranging from cautious to outright rejection.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed a commitment to prevent harm to the Druze in Syria due to Israel's historical commitment to its Druze citizens and their historical and family ties to the Druze in Syria, along with ensuring the demilitarization of the area near the border with Syria.

Different sources and scholars have taken different positions on the motives for Israeli intervention in Syria. One reason was the security of its northern border, due to concerns about a power vacuum in southern Syria, which is considered a potential threat, especially from the establishment of anti-Israeli militias on its northern border. Another reason was attributed to support for the establishment of a federal system in Syria. Another reason is pressure from the Israeli Druze population to protect their related syrian Druze in the event of an attack.

Israel and Syria have engaged in secret back-channel talks. Israel was in the process of trying to reach an updated security agreement with Syria based on the 1974 Agreement on Disengagement between the two nations. Syria has said that the goal of negotiations was the reimplementation of the 1974 agreement.

Timeline

11 July

The violence was reportedly triggered by a robbery that happened on 11 July 2025 on the Damascus–Suwayda highway, in which a Druze vegetable merchant was assaulted by members of Bedouin tribes after they set up an improvised roadblock. The assailants stole his vehicle and belongings before forcibly taking him to a remote and rugged area. There, the group subjected him to sectarian insults and repeated death threats throughout his detention. He was later released blindfolded and in critical condition in a distant town. In response, local Druze armed groups detained several individuals from Bedouin tribes the next day in an effort to recover the stolen property. This initiated a cycle of retaliatory kidnappings between the two sides, which quickly escalated into open armed clashes.

13 July

Bedouin fighters responded by establishing a checkpoint in the al-Maqwas neighborhood in eastern Suwayda city on 13 July, where they captured several members of the local Druze armed groups. Armed clashes soon erupted between the two sides in and around the area.

Violence soon spread beyond al-Maqwas to rural areas including al-Tireh, al-Mazraa, and al-Soura al-Kabira. Reports confirmed the use of mortars and other heavy weapons. The highway between Damascus and Suwayda was cut off by armed groups. Syrian government checkpoints came under attack by Bedouin fighters, leading to reported clashes between the assailants and government security forces in various parts of the region.

Reinforcements from Daraa Governorate arrived to the area to assist the Bedouin fighters.

Bedouin tribal fighters were reported to have advanced toward the outskirts of al-Tireh village. Most residents of the village were displaced toward al-Mazraa and Suwayda amidst the violent clashes, during which several homes were set on fire.

Meanwhile, Syrian government forces from the Ministry of Interior were dispatched to contain the fighting.

On the evening of 13 July, the Ministry of Education postponed the high school final exams originally scheduled for 14 July to a later date due to escalating security tensions in the region.

14 July

Several videos circulated on social media showed a vehicle belonging to the General Security Service, with an individual inside making sectarian remarks while declaring his involvement in the armed conflict in Suwayda. In response, the Security Forces Command in Daraa announced on 14 July the arrest of several security personnel who appeared in the video and said in a statement that the individuals acted independently and were not authorized to speak on matters related to civil peace. The officers involved were suspended from duty, and a formal investigation into the incident was launched.

On 14 July, the spiritual leadership of the Druze community in Syria headed by Hikmat al-Hijri issued a statement saying it is reaffirmed its previous demands, foremost among them an urgent call for international protection, citing the increasingly dangerous situation in Suwayda. The statement reiterated the leadership's rejection of any security forces entering their areas—specifically naming the General Security Service and another unnamed agency—accusing them of crossing into the province under the pretext of providing protection while allegedly shelling border villages and supporting extremist groups with heavy weaponry and drones. The spiritual leadership held all parties involved in attacks on local areas and civilians fully responsible, condemning any attempts to impose official security control over Suwayda as a direct threat to the safety of its residents. The statement concluded by emphasizing that international protection is an urgent necessity to prevent further bloodshed, calling on relevant international actors to intervene immediately.

The Syrian Ministry of Interior declared that its forces, in coordination with the Ministry of Defense, would begin a direct intervention in the region. The objective is to end the ongoing clashes, restore security, pursue those responsible for the violence, and bring them before the relevant judicial authorities. The ministry emphasized that this intervention aims to prevent further unrest and re-establish the rule of law in Suwayda. The Ministry of Interior later reported that several of its security personnel were "abducted" while carrying out a security deployment aimed at restoring order and containing the clashes in the al-Maqwas neighborhood.

Shelling was reported in the neighboring Daraa Governorate, in which four civilians were wounded.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said that it obtained multiple video and voice recordings from the clashes that it would refrain from publishing due to its highly sensitive nature. The recordings reportedly contain elements that could undermine Syria's national cohesion, inflame sectarian tensions, and further incite discord among citizens.

Israeli Air Force fighter jets were reported to have conducted low-altitude flights over the western countryside of Suwayda, deploying flares during their intensified aerial presence in the area. The Israeli Army later announced that it had struck multiple tanks belonging to the Syrian Army in Suwayda Governorate. However the tank was repaired and was deployed again in an hour. Israeli defense minister Israel Katz said the strike was "a message and a clear warning to the Syrian regime. We will not allow harm to the Druze in Syria". A total of three Israeli strikes were reported.

15 July

The Syrian Minister of Defence announced that a ceasefire had been reached with Druze spiritual leadership for state security forces to deploy in the region with the aim of stopping the ongoing violence. They urged all armed factions in the area to cooperate and surrender their weapons. However, later that day, Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri released a video urging Druze fighters to "resist this brutal campaign by all available means", accusing government forces of violating the ceasefire by shelling Suwayda city. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights accused government and government-aligned forces of summary executions of 19 Druze civilians, including 12 in one house.

Protests erupted on several main roads in northern Israel as members of the Druze community demonstrated in solidarity with Druze in Syria. The protesters called for international intervention to safeguard Syria's Druze minority from "Islamist fighters loyal to the regime".

Israel conducted further strikes in al-Mazraa after the Syrian Armed Forces took control of the town. Strikes were also reported on the outskirts of Suwayda. Intensive airstrikes continued across Suwayda following the announcement of a ceasefire. The airstrikes targeted military equipment and convoys of the Syrian armed forces. The airstrikes targeted military convoys, one Syrian army convoy was struck in Suwayda resulting in at least one casualty.

At least two Israeli strikes were reported targeting locations near the 12th Brigade in the northeastern countryside of Izra in Daraa Governorate.

The Mar Mikhael Church in the town of as-Sawra al-Kabira was robbed, vandalized, and burned amid the chaos.

Dozens of Israeli Druze civilians were reported to have crossed the fence from the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights at Hader, near Majdal Shams, towards the Syrian side. The IDF said that its troops were "working to safely return the civilians who crossed the border".

Men of Dignity confirmed the casualties and injuries of more than 50 militants of their faction amidst clashes with the Syrian Armed Forces.

16 July

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that the number of fatalities as a result of fighting, bombardment, and extrajudicial killings had risen to 248.

In the early hours of 16 July, the Israeli Air Force executed at least 7 airstrikes against multiple targets in Suwayda's countryside, including on the al-Tha'lah Military Airbase.

Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri issued a statement, in which he appealed to U.S. President Donald Trump, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and Jordan's King Abdullah II to save Suwayda, stating that "the mask has fallen off the face of the ruling clique" and declaring, "we can no longer live with a regime that knows nothing of governance except iron and fire". He held the international community morally and ethically responsible and called on Sunni Syrians to take a clear stand regarding what is happening to their Syrian brethren.

The Syrian presidency issued a statement in which it condemned the recent violations in Suwayda Governorate, labeling the incidents as criminal and unacceptable under any circumstances. The statement emphasized that such actions contradict the core principles upon which the Syrian state is built and pledged full commitment to investigating all related incidents and holding those responsible accountable. The presidency stressed that individuals or groups involved—regardless of affiliation—would face legal consequences, asserting that no violations will go unpunished. Reaffirming the state's priority of ensuring national security and stability, the statement concluded with an assurance to the people of Suwayda that their rights will be safeguarded and that no party will be allowed to undermine their safety or stability.

Israel later renewed its bombing of the entrance of the Syrian General Staff complex in Damascus for a third time. Folllowed by another one directly on the main building. Israeli Defense Minister, Israel Katz, declared that the era of mere warnings in Damascus has ended, stating that "painful blows" will now be delivered to the Syrian government. Katz emphasized that the IDF will persistently and forcefully act in Suwayda to dismantle the forces responsible for attacking the Druze community until they fully withdraw. Addressing the Druze community in Israel, he reassured them that they can rely on the Israel Defense Forces for protection of their brethren in Syria, affirming that both he and Prime Minister Netanyahu have made a firm commitment to uphold this promise. The Israeli military announced an airstrike on the entrance to the Syrian General Staff complex in Damascus, noting that it "continues to monitor developments against Druze civilians in southern Syria and launches attacks based on political directives". Heavier strikes targeted the complex and caused vast damage and destruction to the main building, later strikes targeted the vicinity of the Presidential Palace in Damascus. The Syrian Ministry of Health reported three killed and 34 injured as a result of the attacks. Multiple additional Israeli strikes were reported in Daraa and Suwayda Governorates. Later in the day, seven Syrian Army soldiers were killed in two Israeli airstrikes in the vicinity of Suwayda. Renewed Israeli airstrikes were reported near Qatana in Rif Dimashq Governorate.

Syria's foreign ministry said that Israel's "flagrant assault, which forms part of a deliberate policy pursued by the Israeli entity to inflame tensions, spread chaos, and undermine security and stability in Syria, constitutes a blatant violation of the United Nations Charter and international humanitarian law".

The Druze Religious Authority in Suwayda announced it had reached a comprehensive agreement with the Syrian government to fully integrate the province within the Syrian state and reaffirm the state's sovereignty over the region. The agreement stipulates the restoration and activation of all government institutions in Suwayda, ensuring that citizens' rights are upheld according to the principles of justice and equality. One of the key clauses includes the formation of a fact-finding and investigative committee tasked with probing recent violations and ensuring compensation and redress for those harmed. The statement also emphasized that the Damascus–Suwayda road and the safety of civilians along it fall under the state's responsibility. Additionally, the agreement provides for the withdrawal of army forces to their barracks, replacing them with internal security forces composed of trusted local officers, and outlines a plan to regulate heavy weapons in cooperation with the Ministries of Interior and Defense to eliminate non-state arms displays. The Syrian Ministry of Interior confirmed the ceasefire and the deployment of security checkpoints across the city as part of the reintegration process.

Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri issued a statement in which he denied the existence of any agreement, negotiation, or mandate involving what he referred to as "armed gangs falsely calling themselves a government". Addressing the people and "our heroic youth defending land, honor, and religion", the statement praised what it described as the "spirit of heroism and dignity" and urged continued resistance against "criminal armed terrorist gangs" which he accused of committing murder, theft, looting, and burning of homes, hospitals, and places of worship. The statement stressed the importance of continuing "legitimate defense", calling for the fight to continue "until the full liberation of Suwayda Governorate from these gangs without condition", framing it as a national, humanitarian, and moral duty that allows no compromise. Al-Hijri also called on "the remaining" opposing armed individuals to surrender, promising that those who do will be under the protection of the spiritual leadership and "will not be humiliated or abused". Al-Hijri warned that "any individual or entity engaging in unilateral communication or agreement" with these "armed groups" would face legal and social accountability "without exception or leniency".

Demonstrations erupted in the Druze-majority city of Jaramana in the Rif Dimashq Governorate chanting slogans against president Ahmed al-Sharaa and his government.

In the evening of 16 July, the Syrian army began withdrawing from Suwayda. A statement by the Syrian Ministry of Defense said the withdrawal came after the army had completed operations against "outlaw groups" in the city. State news agency SANA reported the pullout was in line with the deal reached between the government and Druze religious leaders.

After repeated calls for Israel and the world to act and assist the Druze in Syria, who reported atrocities they had experienced, including abuse, humiliation and executions, Druze in Israel began trying to cross the border fence and reach their relatives on the Syrian side. It began with the crossing of dozens of Druze towards Syrian territory, and ended with the mass crossing of more than 1,000 people. At the same time, hundreds of Druze from Syria also crossed into Israeli territory in an attempt to escape the severe clashes.

17 July

The SOHR reported that the death toll, as a result of fighting since 13 July, had risen to 516. Of this number, 79 were Druze fighters, and 261 were members of Syrian government forces, including 18 Bedouins. 83 individuals, including women and an elderly man were reported to have been summarily executed by government forces, and 3 Bedouins, including a woman and child, were executed by Druze fighters. 18 individuals were reported to have been killed in Israeli strikes, including three civilians. The Observatory also reported the displacement of Arab Bedouins in several areas within the Suwayda Governorate. In one instance, local factions gave members of Bedouin tribes until the afternoon to leave the al-Maqwas neighbourhood of Suwayda city. A massacre of Bedouins was later reported in that neighbourhood by the Syrian state-run news agency SANA.

Following the withdrawal of the Syrian army, Druze fighters reportedly discovered entire houses had been set on fire, families slaughtered inside homes, and looting. Witnesses in Suwayda compared the Syrian goverment's actions to summary executions.

Israeli airstrikes on the headquarters of the 107th brigade in the southern countryside of Jableh in Latakia Governorate were reported early in the morning.

Clashes resumed in Suwayda after government forces withdrew as Bedouins launched new armed assaults on Druze forces, with the stated goal of releasing Bedouin prisoners of war. A Bedouin commander told ''Reuters'' that the ceasefire agreement did not bind his men, but only the forces of President Ahmed al-Shara's regime. According to the commander, his forces are aiming to free the Bedouins who were detained in recent days by the Druze fighters.

Clashes between Bedouin and Druze fighters were also reported in the western countryside of Rif Dimashq Governorate.

The Syrian presidency accused Druze factions of breaking the ceasefire agreement by their involvement in "horrific" violence against civilians. Syrian state media reported Israeli airstrikes near Suwayda, which were the first reported strikes after the ceasefire agreement.

''Al Jazeera Arabic'' reported that gunmen were holding 1,000 civilians from the Suwayda tribes in the town of Shahba, controlled by the Suwayda Military Council. ''Al Jazeera'' reported that more than 500 families from the tribes were displaced after their homes were burned.

The Democratic Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (DAANES) announced the dispatch of emergency humanitarian aid to Suwayda, in response to worsening living conditions and service disruptions.

18 July

Amid the large-scale attack by Bedouin fighters on Suwayda Governorate and reports of them entering Suwayda city, Hikmat al-Hijri reportedly demanded the Syrian government to send a conflict resolution force.

Israel conducted airstrikes targeting advancing Bedouin groups in Suwayda Governorate.

Syrian government forces were preparing to redeploy in the city of Suwayda, following renewed clashes between Druze factions and Bedouin tribes. According to local reports, the tribes were advancing in Suwayda, backed by fighters from the neighboring Daraa governorate and other governorates in Syria. An Israeli government related source said that Israel had agreed to time-limited entry to Suwayda. Later, the Syrian state-run news agency SANA reported that the Ministry of Interior denied that government forces would enter Suwayda.

The Israeli Foreign Ministry ordered the transfer of 2 million shekels worth of humanitarian aid to Druze in Syria.

The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights' spokesperson highlighted reports of widespread violations and abuses, including summary and extrajudicial killings, kidnappings, destruction of private property, and looting, by individuals affiliated with the Syrian government, including members of security forces, as well as by Druze and Bedouin fighters, noting that local hospitals were struggling to cope with the scale of injured.

SOHR reports reinforcements of Bedouin forces and the opening of a new front in Teloul Al-Safa in south-east Syria. The tribal forces also advanced in Al-Omran west of Suwayda. Clashes were reported in Jaramana as well as in Al-Maliha and Kashkoul which lasted for an hour.

De-escalation efforts

Suwayda governor Moustafa al-Bakkour immediately called for calm, warning against sectarian strife and urging restraint. Al-Bakkour reaffirmed the state's commitment to protecting civilians and praised local efforts for conflict resolution. While Brigadier General Nizar al-Hariri, deputy chief of the Internal Security Service, linked the escalation to the fallout from the highway robbery and subsequent abductions. He stated that local and security efforts were underway to de-escalate the violence.

Sheikh Hammoud al-Hinnawi, one of the Druze religious leaders in Syria, issued a public appeal on 13 July calling for calm and the avoidance of further violence, he urged all parties to reject sectarian strife, cease retaliatory actions, and uphold the rule of law. Al-Hinnawi addressed his message directly to President Ahmed al-Sharaa, tribal leaders, and all individuals of conscience, urging them to take active steps to prevent further bloodshed. He affirmed that the Druze community seeks justice and stability, stating that "dignity is preserved through reason and wisdom, not through weapons and abductions".

Lebanese Druze voiced his support for a political resolution to the crisis in Suwayda, emphasizing that such a solution should take place under the framework of the Syrian government. He rejected any external intervention under the pretext of protecting the Druze community, stating, "We hope that security will be restored through a political solution". He further called upon the Druze factions in Syria to seek integration with the government amidst continued conflict.

The United States negotiated with Israel to halt its airstrikes against Syria as an step towards de-escalation between the two nations.

Ceasefires

Syrian minister of defense Murhaf Abu Qasra announced a ceasefire effective from 15 July after an agreement with the Druze leaders in Suwayda. The Syrian Ministry of Interior warned against any damage to private or public property in Suwayda. According to the ceasefire agreement, it was not a complete withdrawal of the regime, and it would be able to continue to maintain police forces in the district, which would operate together with local Druze, but it was required, as stated, to withdraw the military forces it had sent there in the battles in recent days. A mechanism was also agreed upon to regulate the issue of possession of heavy weapons in the area. The agreement also stipulates the establishment of an investigative committee that will examine atrocities committed by militants and regime members against the Druze, according to reports.

Following the second ceasefire announced on 16 July, Syrian president Ahmed al-Sharaa addressed the nation stating that the government's priority is to protect Druze citizens as Israel continues its assaults on Syria. He further said "we reject any attempt to drag you into hands of an external party. We are not among those who fear the war. We have spent our lives facing challenges and defending our people, but we have put the interests of the Syrians before chaos and destruction". He criticised Israel for its attacks on government and civilians and expressed gratitude for American, Arab, and Turkish mediators for de-escalating the conflict and said that "the Israeli entity resorted to a wide-scale targeting of civilian and government facilities", adding that it led to a "significant complication of the situation and pushed matters to a large-scale escalation".

On 16 July, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the United States was making progress for an ceasefire agreement including Israel, saying "We hope to see some real progress to end what you've been seeing over the last couple of hours", as he addressed reporters at the Oval Office.

According to a Turkish security source, Turkish intelligence officers held talks with Syrian Druze leaders for securing the ceasefire. İbrahim Kalın, the director of the Turkish National Intelligence Organization, also held discussions with his Israeli, American and Syrian counterparts, as well as Ahmed al-Sharaa.

A joint "Gulf-Arab-Turkish" statement reaffirmed their support for Syrian integrity and "welcomed" al-Sharaa's commitment to hold to account fighters who took part in "abuses".

War crimes

Syrian state media reported that after the withdrawal of the Syrian Armed Forces, local Druze factions organised retaliatory attacks on the local Bedouin tribes. About 50 Bedouins were killed in the attacks and more than 1,000 were held captive. Retaliatory attacks were launched by the Bedouins soon after that.

SOHR reports the killing of 19 civilians upon the arrival of the government forces in Sahwat Al-Balatah.

Residents and local journalists reported that Syrian government forces, who were identifiable by their clothes, were responsible for looting, physical abuse, and killings of Druze civilians while deployed in the region.

Reactions

Local

* : Syria condemned the Israeli strikes on Syria and asserted their right to self-defense. The foreign ministry said that Israel's "flagrant assault, which forms part of a deliberate policy pursued by the Israeli entity to inflame tensions, spread chaos, and undermine security and stability in Syria, constitutes a blatant violation of the United Nations Charter and international humanitarian law".
* Rojava/DAANES: The SDF condemned the violence in Suwayda, commenting on the civilian casualties in the conflict. The Kurdish women-led YPJ in particular expressed its readiness to "protect Druze women and civilians, nd toshoulder all the responsibility placed upon us without hesitation". On 17 July 2025 the Social Affairs and Labor Authority of the DAANES dispatched humanitarian aid to the Suweida Governorate.

International

International organizations

* : The UN urged de-escalation between the belligerents and urged measures to protect civilians.
* : The EU urged de-escalation and the implementation of the ceasefire declared on 15 July. It expressed its concern over civilan security as well as calls for the respect of Syria's sovereignity and integrity.
* : The General Secretariat of the Arab League strongly condemned the Israeli airstrikes on Syria, describing them as a blatant violation of the sovereignty of a fellow Arab League and UN member state and a clear breach of international law. The League characterized the attacks as acts of "bullying" that must not be tolerated by the regional or international community and called for their immediate cessation. It warned that the strikes aimed to sow chaos in Syria by exploiting recent unrest in Suwayda—events which the Syrian government itself denounced and pledged to investigate. The League expressed full solidarity with Syria, urging the government to defuse tensions through dialogue and inclusive national reconciliation.
* : The council strongly condemned Israeli attacks on Syria.
* The Muslim World League issued a statement expressing its full solidarity with Syria against any threats to its security, stability, and sovereignty, particularly attempts to sow discord among its communities or interfere in its internal affairs. The League voiced support for the Syrian government's efforts to protect all segments of the population, uphold civil peace, and enforce the rule of law. It also condemned Israel's attacks on Syrian territory and its "continued violations of international laws and norms".

State actors

* : The Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly condemned the Israeli attack on Syria, describing it as a blatant violation of Syrian sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national unity. The Ministry expressed full solidarity with Syria and affirmed its legitimate right to safeguard its security and stability in accordance with the principles of the UN Charter and international law.
* : Bahrain welcomed the Syrian government's announcement of a ceasefire in Suwayda Governorate, stating that the move contributes to enhancing security, stability, and preserving civil peace. Bahrain affirmed its position in supporting Syria's security and stability, safeguarding its sovereignty, territorial integrity, and unity, as well as meeting the aspirations of its people for peace and sustainable development.
* : China emphasized the importance of respecting Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity in response to recent Israeli airstrikes. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian warned against actions that could escalate tensions amid ongoing instability in the Middle East.
* : Egypt condemned the repetitive attacks on Syria as a "violation" of the sovereignty of the country and a "breach of international law".
* : France called for an end to "abuses targeting civilians", and added that "the abuses targeting civilians, which we strongly condemn, must stop", the foreign ministry said, calling for an "immediate cessation of clashes".
* : Germany threatened to halt its support for the Syrian government if it fails to prevent religious or ethnic persecution on its territory. Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul stated that Berlin would only support Damascus if it commits to an inclusive political process and protects its population. He emphasized that the Syrian government must not allow killings or discrimination based on religion or ethnicity, stressing that it is the central government's responsibility to ensure the safety of all citizens.
* : The Foreign Ministry expressed strong condemnation of the attacks by Israel on Syria and made concerns on the clashes in Suwayda.
* : The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed deep concern over the escalating tensions in Syria and strongly condemned the repeated military interventions carried out by Israel, describing them as blatant violations of Syrian sovereignty and a threat to regional stability. It reaffirmed Iraq's full support for any regional or international efforts aimed at restoring peace and stability in Syria and reiterated its firm stance in support of Syria's unity and territorial integrity, rejecting any violation that undermines its sovereignty or endangers the safety of its people.
* : Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu strongly asserted Israel's support to the Druze factions and ordered strikes on Syria, further stating that Israel was committed to the demilitarisation policy regarding southern Syria.
* : Japan called for the respect of Syria's sovereignity and integrity and the preservation of the ceasefire with priority to civilan lives.
* : Jordan welcomed Syria's announcement of a ceasefire in Suwayda, stressing the need for calm, protection of civilians, law enforcement, and respect for Syrian sovereignty. Jordan affirmed its full support for Syria's efforts to rebuild and maintain security, stability, unity, and the rights of all Syrians.
* : Kuwait welcomed the ceasefire agreement in the city of Suwayda and called for calming the situation and taking all necessary steps to prevent further bloodshed among the Syrian people. It also strongly condemned what it described as blatant Israeli attacks on Syrian territory, stressing that such actions constitute a continuation of violations of international law and the UN Charter.
* : Lebanon strongly condemned the repeated Israeli strikes on Syrian territory, describing them as a blatant violation of the sovereignty Syria and a breach of international law. President Joseph Aoun emphasized that these continued attacks threaten regional security and called on the international community to take full responsibility and exert all possible pressure to halt them and respect Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity. He reaffirmed Lebanon's solidarity with Syria and its people. Prime Minister Nawaf Salam also denounced the Israeli airstrikes as a clear breach of Syria's sovereignty and international law, rejecting the use of force as a form of messaging and urging the international community to intervene to stop such violations.
* : Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim condemned the Israeli airstrikes on Damascus calling them a violation of Syrian sovereignty that resulted in civilian casualties.
* : The Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned Israel's attacks on Syria, calling them a blatant violation of international law and Syrian sovereignty. The ministry urged the international community, especially the UN Security Council, to fulfill its legal and moral responsibilities by ensuring Israel's full withdrawal from occupied Syrian territories and halting all hostile actions against civilians.
* : Qatar expressed concerns over the tensions in Syria and called for accountability over civilian losses. It further condemned the Israeli strikes and expressed full support for the territorial integrity of Syria.
* : Russia condemned the Israeli strikes in Syria, calling it a violation of Syria's sovereignty.
* : Saudi Arabia expressed its strong support for the actions taken by the Syrian government in order to attain territorial integrity, called on the international community to stand with Syria and condemned the Israeli airstrikes.
* : Turkey expressed its support for the actions taken by Syria to assure its territorial integrity and condemned the Israeli intervention in the conflict.
* : The UAE welcomed the announcement of a ceasefire in Suwayda, emphasizing the importance of de-escalation and civilian protection while supporting efforts to restore peace and stability in the region. It strongly condemned the recent escalation in southern Syria and denounced the Israeli airstrikes, reaffirming its rejection of any violations of Syrian sovereignty or threats to its security.
* : Special Envoy to Syria, Anna Snow, called for de-escalation and stated that the situation is being closely monitored and urged all parties within Syria to calm tensions and take immediate steps to ensure the protection of civilians.
* : The U.S. State Department said it "did not support Israel's recent action in Syria", referring to the Israeli strikes on Damascus. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said he was "very concerned" about the escalation, calling it a "misunderstanding". Ambassador to Syria Tom Barrack stated that the United States was working to de-escalate the conflict to restore peace and labeled the clashes as "worrisome".
* : Yemen reaffirmed its full support for the Syrian government's efforts to restore security and stability across the country, emphasizing the need to ensure that weapons remain solely in the hands of the state and to protect civil peace. In an official statement, the Yemeni Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed deep concern over the escalating tensions in southern Syria and backed the Syrian government's actions to assert full sovereignty and secure a dignified and stable future for the Syrian people. The ministry also rejected any attempts to hinder the government's authority over all Syrian territory.

Non-state actors

* : Hamas issued a statement expressing full solidarity with Syria and described the Israeli attacks as a "blatant violation of international laws" and called for a strong response to confront them. Hamas condemned what it called the "heinous Zionist aggression against the Syrian Arab Republic which led to the martyrdom of dozens from the army, security forces, and innocent civilians".
* : Hezbollah condemned the Israeli strikes, describing them as against international law, and expressed its support for the people of Syria. It called on citizens of Arab and Muslim nations to unite against Israeli aggression.

See also

* April 2025 massacres of Syrian Druze
* Southern Syria clashes (April–May 2025)
* 2025 Jaramana clashes
* 2025 Southern Syria bombings

Notes

References

{{Syrian civil war

Conflicts in 2025
2025 in Syria
July 2025 in Asia
Military operations of the Syrian civil war in 2025
Israel–Syria relations
Battles involving Syria
Battles involving Israel
Druze in Syria
History of as-Suwayda Governorate