Middle East: Syrian military declares ceasefire in Sweida

After deadly clashes between Druze residents and Sunni Bedouins in Sweida, the Syrian military entered the southern city.

Shortly after government forces entered the city, Syria's defense minister announced a ceasefire.

Meanwhile, in response to the government's intervention, Israel launched military strikes on southern Syria, saying it was a move to protect the Druze community.

Below, you'll find a roundup of the latest developments about Israel, the war in Gaza, and the wider Middle East on Tuesday, July 15:

07/15/2025July 15, 2025

EU ministers discuss deal with Israel to increase aid to Gaza

Foreign ministers from the EU's 27 member nations are meeting in Brussels following a new deal with Israel to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza.

On Monday, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar met with EU leaders after agreeing to allow food and fuel into the besieged coastal enclave.

The details of the agreement are still unclear, but EU officials have rejected cooperating with the Israel-backed Gaza Humanitarian Fund due to ethical and safety concerns.

The priority is opening more border crossings and allowing more aid trucks into Gaza, but officials say they eventually want to set up a monitoring station at the Kerem Shalom crossing.

According to Kaja Kallas, the bloc's foreign policy chief, the European Union is seeking updates from Israel on the implementation of the new deal.

Meanwhile, Kallas proposed ten potential steps after Israel was found to have violated a cooperation agreement between Israel and the EU due to human rights violations.

The measures range from suspending the entire agreement to curbing trade ties, sanctioning Israeli ministers, imposing an arms embargo and halting visa-free travel.

Despite growing anger over the devastation in Gaza, EU states remain divided on how to address Israel, and diplomats say there is not enough support for any action.

07/15/2025July 15, 2025

Syrian military declares ceasefire in Sweida

Syria's Defense Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra announced a ceasefire shortly after government forces entered the predominantly Druze city of Sweida.

In a statement, he said that after an agreement with the city's "notables and dignitaries, we will respond only to the sources of fire and deal with any targeting by outlaw groups."

The government intervened due to deadly clashes between Druze and Sunni Bedouin residents.

The latest sectarian violence in Syria began with tit-for-tat abductions and attacks between members of local Sunni Bedouin tribes and Druze armed groups.

On Monday, Syrian government security forces, sent to restore order, clashed with Druze armed groups.

According to the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, more than 100 people have been killed in the fighting since Sunday.

07/15/2025July 15, 2025

Welcome to our coverage

Welcome to DW's coverage on the latest developments in the Middle East. 

We begin with the escalation in southern Syria where — following clashes between Druze and Sunni Bedouin groups — Syrian government troops entered Sweida, a predominantly Druze city. This prompted Israeli airstrikes.

Meanwhile, foreign ministers from the EU's 27 member nations are meeting in Brussels to discuss a deal with Israel that would increase aid to Gaza.

Stay with us for more news and analysis.