U.S. congressman discusses suwayda with israel’s druze leader
Damascus, Syria (North Press) – U.S. Congressman Ibrahim Hamadeh held a meeting on Thursday with Sheikh Mowafaq Tarif, the spiritual leader of the Druze community in Israel, to discuss the deteriorating situation in Syria’s southern city of Suwayda, amid ongoing clashes and a fragile local ceasefire.
The meeting, which took place in the town of Julis in the Acre district, centered on stabilizing the security situation in Suwayda and its surrounding countryside. Discussions focused on efforts to reinforce the current ceasefire and facilitate humanitarian access to the city, according to local media reports.
For over a month, Suwayda has witnessed intermittent clashes between local Druze factions and armed Bedouin groups. The violence has disrupted daily life and caused significant instability in the area, despite a localized de-escalation agreement reached in recent weeks. The ceasefire, however, remains tenuous with sporadic violations and continued tensions among armed actors.
Congressman Hamadeh and Sheikh Tarif exchanged views on the possible role of the United States in supporting ceasefire enforcement and ensuring humanitarian corridors for the safe delivery of medical and relief aid to Suwayda. Both sides emphasized the urgency of reaching a sustainable political solution that ensures the safety and dignity of the Druze community in Syria.
Media outlets cited both leaders as calling for the U.S. administration to act as a guarantor of future agreements aimed at maintaining security and upholding the rights of the Druze population in southern Syria.
As talks continue among regional and international actors, no concrete steps have yet been confirmed following Thursday’s meeting. Efforts to secure lasting calm in Suwayda remain ongoing.