Syrian and Israeli officials have held talks in Paris, mediated by the United States, to address the recent escalation of sectarian violence in southern Syria’s Suwayda province. The meeting aimed to discuss ways to maintain stability in the region, which has been plagued by fierce fighting between Bedouins and Druze fighters.
According to a Syrian official, Damascus’s delegation at the Paris meeting emphasized that the unity and sovereignty of Syria are nonnegotiable, and Suwayda and its people are an integral part of Syria. The Syrian delegation also rejected any attempt to exploit segments of Syrian society for partition and held Israel responsible for the recent escalation, demanding the immediate withdrawal of Israeli forces from the points they had recently advanced to during the unrest.
The talks, described as “honest and responsible” by Syria’s state-run Ekhbariya TV, did not result in any final agreements, but the parties agreed to continue discussions aimed at maintaining stability. US envoy Tom Barrack said officials from both countries spoke about de-escalating the situation in Syria during talks on Thursday.
The conflict in Suwayda province has resulted in hundreds of deaths, with government forces also drawn into the fighting. Israel has carried out air strikes in the region, claiming it was protecting the Druze minority. Syria’s government announced a week ago that Bedouin fighters had been cleared out of Suwayda, and government forces were deployed to oversee their exit from the entire province.
Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa faces significant challenges in stabilizing Syria and maintaining centralized rule. The diplomatic source said the meeting on Saturday involved initial consultations aimed at “reducing tensions and opening channels of communication amid an ongoing escalation since early December”.
A fragile ceasefire has been declared in southern Syria’s Suwayda province, following intense fighting that left hundreds dead. The ceasefire comes after days of deadly clashes between Druze and Bedouin armed groups, government forces, and Israeli airstrikes, with more than 300 reported dead.
The situation remains volatile, with tribal fighters beginning to return to Suwayda after previously withdrawing following the violation of the ceasefire by Druze forces. The Syrian government has deployed forces to restore security in the region.
The conflict in Syria has raised concerns internationally, with questions about Israel’s motives and the potential for further escalation. Israel has achieved short-term military gains, but the long-term implications of its actions remain uncertain.