The Paradox of Peace: Historic Syria-Israel Meeting in Paris Amid Druze Allegations of Treason
A historic Syria-Israel meeting in Paris, brokered by the U.S., aimed to de-escalate violence in Suwayda. Amid Druze accusations of Treason, leaders called for unity, rejecting sectarian strife.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – In a diplomatic breakthrough, Syrian Foreign Minister Assad al-Shibani and Israeli Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer held a previously unannounced meeting in Paris on Thursday, according to U.S. Special Envoy for Syria Thomas Barrack.
The meeting marks a rare public interaction between Syrian and Israeli officials and appears to be aimed at containing the spiraling violence in southern Syria, particularly in Suwayda province.
U.S.-Brokered Dialogue Amid Escalating Conflict
“I met this evening with the Syrians and Israelis in Paris,” Barrack revealed in a post on X. “Our goal was dialogue and de-escalation, and we accomplished precisely that. All parties reiterated their commitment to continuing these efforts.”
Barrack’s statement comes at a critical time, as southern Syria reels from sectarian violence that has left more than 1,300 dead in just one week, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR).
Interim President Al-Sharaa Condemns Divisive Agendas
In a televised address following the declaration of a ceasefire in Suwayda, Syrian Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa warned of dangerous separatist tendencies emerging in the region.
He sharply criticized what he described as “narrow interests” and separatist ambitions among certain Suwayda-based figures, accusing them of aligning with foreign actors and leading militias that have committed violence against civilians.
“Using Suwayda as a tool in international conflicts does not serve any Syrian,” al-Sharaa declared. He reiterated the government’s commitment to defending Syria’s territorial integrity and national unity against internal and external threats.
Spiritual Leadership Calls for Wisdom Over Weapons
On July 17, the spiritual leader of Syria’s Druze community, Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri, made a powerful appeal for peace and national reconciliation.
“We believe in the ethics of coexistence and remain committed to the spirit of tolerance despite the painful attacks against our community,” Hijri said in a widely circulated speech.
He denounced acts of sabotage and incitement, asserting that those responsible “represent only themselves” and should not be seen as speaking for any specific sect or region.
Hijri also condemned the Syrian government's response to the crisis, stating, “The Druze have paid a heavy price—precious blood—because of a government that chose shelling and assaults over the protection of civilians.”
A Call for Unity and Dignity
Reaffirming the community’s historic role in national unity, Hijri emphasized, “We are not sectarian, nor are we advocates of division or strife. We have a long history of national partnership and honor with all components of society.”
He concluded his remarks with a resounding call to action: “We renew our commitment to unity and reject all forms of sedition. We call on all wise and patriotic partners in this country to extinguish chaos and preserve dignity—opening the doors to resolution through wisdom, not weapons.”
The developments in Paris and statements from Syrian leaders reflect a growing international and domestic push to steer Syria away from further fragmentation and violence. Whether this unprecedented Syria-Israel engagement leads to a sustained dialogue remains to be seen, but the diplomatic overture has already ignited cautious optimism across a fractured landscape.
