Druze leader who did not see Gaza spoke for Suwayda

Sheikh Muwaffaq Tarif, the religious leader of the Druze community in Israel, sent a message to US President Donald Trump regarding the developments in Suwayda in southern Syria, requesting the protection of the Druze living in the region. Tarif conveyed his message through the US Ambassador to Tel Aviv.

According to Israeli media reports, Tarif, who failed to address international accusations of genocide regarding Israel's military operations in Gaza, instead claimed that "genocide was taking place" in Suwayda, Syria. Tarif claimed that radical armed groups in Syria were targeting Druze civilians and called for US action.

Tarif emphasized that he considered the events in Sweida a violation of fundamental rights and crimes against humanity. He also stated that the US's silence on the matter would be alarming.

Armed clashes reportedly broke out between Bedouin Arabs and some Druze groups in Sweida on July 13. Syrian security forces sent to the region to intervene were ambushed. As the clashes escalated, a temporary ceasefire was established, but Druze forces loyal to Hekmat al-Hejri reportedly broke the truce and continued their attacks.

On July 16, the Israeli army targeted the Syrian Presidential compound, the General Staff headquarters, and the Ministry of Defense. Following these attacks, the Syrian army withdrew from Sweida. Seizing the void, Druze armed forces affiliated with the Hejri faction began displacing and executing Bedouin Arabs. As the unrest escalated, thousands of tribal warriors from outside the region entered Sweida to support the Bedouin Arabs.

The Syrian government redeployed security forces to the region on July 19, driving tribal fighters out of the city. However, hundreds of people, both armed and civilian, have reportedly lost their lives in the clashes that have continued since July 13. Unofficial sources estimate the death toll could be even higher.