US Envoy meets Israeli Druze leader in Paris to discuss Suwayda situation

 By Saad al-Yaziji

PARIS, Syria (North Press) – US Special Envoy to Syria Thomas Barrack met on Tuesday evening with Muwafaq Tarif, spiritual leader of the Druze community in Israel, in Paris to discuss the ongoing humanitarian and security situation in Syria’s Suwayda Governorate, local sources confirmed.

According to a Facebook post by Tarif, the meeting covered several points regarding Suwayda, with Barrack emphasizing the need for a “comprehensive and sustainable ceasefire,” and for establishing a secure land corridor under US guarantees to allow the delivery of aid to the governorate.

Tarif also highlighted his request for “lifting the siege on Suwayda, securing the release of hostages, and enabling displaced persons to return to the Druze villages in the western and northern districts of the governorate.” Barrack reportedly underscored the importance of reaching an immediate agreement addressing these concerns.

The meeting precedes a scheduled high-level discussion later Tuesday night in Paris between Israeli Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer and Syrian Foreign Minister Assad al-Sheibani, also attended by Barrack, Axios reported. These engagements mark rare diplomatic contacts after decades of limited communication between Damascus and Tel Aviv.