Brussels (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – The European Union welcomed the ceasefire deal agreed between Syria and Israel with the support of Washington and regional allies, stating the truce “must now be fully respected.”
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa declared an immediate ceasefire in Suwayda province on Saturday, where clashes between Bedouin tribes and the Druze community started on July 13. Israel also interfered, citing the need to protect the minority group.
How did the EU support the Israel-Syria ceasefire deal?
In a press release issued by European Union Spokesman for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Anouar El Anouni, the EU insisted that all players “immediately stop all acts of violence, to protect all civilians without distinction, and to take immediate steps to prevent incitement and sectarian discourse.”
The EU also urged Israel and other foreign players “to fully respect Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
How is the EU responding to humanitarian law violations?
Voicing disappointment at the “hundreds of victims of the last days’ violence,” the EU reports that have been singled out armed groups shooting unarmed civilians and insisted that
“all perpetrators of grave violations of international humanitarian law be held accountable … including with the support of relevant international mechanisms.”
The European Union also insisted on a
“truly inclusive transition,” expressing that Syria’s transitional and local authorities must shield all Syrians, boost disarmament and demobilisation, and remobilise defense forces in line with global standards.
“The EU stands ready to assist in these endeavours and in supporting a peaceful and inclusive, Syrian-led and Syrian-owned transition,”
the statement concluded.
What triggered the recent clashes in Suwayda province?
Israel and Syria erupted into conflict last week following violence in southern Syria’s Suwayda province. The Druze militia fought certain Bedouin armed groups there, which resulted in deaths and clashes in the area. After these clashes in southern Syria, the Syrian government sent military forces to the area, which Israel viewed as a threat.
Israel had repeatedly said it would not allow Syrian troops to deploy to the country’s south. Israel has pledged to protect Syria’s Druze community from attack, citing concerns over its new rulers described as nearly disguised jihadists, and is motivated by appeals from Israel’s Druze minority.
In reaction, Israel demanded Syrian forces remain out of that area, and subsequently launched a number of airstrikes against Syrian military targets, saying that it was helping the Druze minority and preventing Syrian government forces from consolidating power and presence in southern Syria.
