Syria is set to hold its first parliamentary elections under the new transitional government between September 15 and 20. According to Mohammad Taha Al-Ahmad, Chair of the country’s High Election Commission, one-third of the 210 parliamentary seats will be appointed directly by interim President Ahmed Al-Shara, with the remainder filled through direct elections. This comes amid continued unrest and instability across the war-torn nation, following the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime.

Violence in Syria’s southern city of Sweida has left nearly 1,000 dead amid ongoing sectarian clashes between the Druze community and Bedouin fighters. Despite a declared ceasefire, heavy gunfire and mortar shelling continued. The interim government, led by President Ahmed al-Shara, has struggled to regain control. Israeli airstrikes in southern Syria and Damascus further escalated tensions, while the U.S. backed the current Syrian administration. Humanitarian conditions have worsened, with hospitals overwhelmed and minorities fearing for their safety under al-Shara’s rule.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan held a phone call to discuss the worsening situation in Syria. Erdoğan warned against Israeli violations of Syria’s sovereignty and stressed that renewed conflict could endanger regional stability. The Kremlin stated both leaders emphasized dialogue and national unity to stabilize Syria. They also discussed the Ukraine war and possible peace talks in Istanbul. Meanwhile, the U.S. envoy to Turkey confirmed a ceasefire between Israel and Syria, welcomed by Turkey, Jordan, and other regional neighbors.

Israel is suspected of launching attacks in Syria, including near Damascus, under the pretense of protecting the Druze minority in Suwayda. Syrian politician Tarek Ahmed claims it was a strategic move to destabilize and remove interim President Ahmed Shara. He suggests Shara was misled by promises of peace. With increasing regional tensions, Ahmed warns of serious security risks and long-term consequences, saying Israel’s actions could reshape Syria’s power dynamics and possibly plunge the region into deeper chaos.

Syria and Israel have agreed to a ceasefire following intense airstrikes and ethnic violence in Suwayda province, with the U.S. acting as mediator. The ceasefire was welcomed by Turkey, Jordan, and regional neighbors. Israel claimed its strikes aimed to protect the Druze community, amid deadly clashes involving Druze, Bedouins, and Syrian forces. Syria’s interim president warned against Israeli interference but said Syria seeks peace. Special forces have been deployed to Suwayda to restore order after over 100 deaths in recent violence.

U.S. special envoy Tom Barrack announced that Israel and Syria have agreed to a ceasefire, which has been welcomed as a major diplomatic achievement by countries including Turkey and Jordan. Calls have been made for peace among the Druze, Bedouin, and Sunni communities in Syria. Earlier, an Israeli airstrike in Damascus killed three people. Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa stated that troops have begun withdrawing from Sweida and confirmed a separate ceasefire deal with the Druze. He accused Israel of deliberately fostering division within Syria.

At least 594 people have been killed in recent ethnic clashes in Syria’s southern Sweida province, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

The dead include over 300 members of the Druze minority, 257 government officials, and 21 Bedouins. The conflict reportedly stems from long-standing tensions between Druze and Bedouin communities. Israeli airstrikes in the region also killed 15 government troops, with Israel claiming the attacks were intended to protect the Druze.

The situation remains volatile, with bodies on the streets and widespread looting reported after the withdrawal of Syrian government forces.

Itamar Ben-Gvir, Israel’s far-right National Security Minister, has urged the assassination of Syria’s interim President Ahmad al-Sharake, marking the second such call by an Israeli minister within 24 hours. In a video message, Ben-Gvir condemned al-Sharake, asserting there is no room for negotiation with jihadists. Earlier, Minister Amichai Chikli also labeled al-Sharake a terrorist and called for his killing. Meanwhile, Israel conducted airstrikes targeting multiple locations in southern Syria and Damascus, causing casualties.

Israel carried out extensive airstrikes targeting at least 160 sites in southern Syria’s Sweida region from July 14 to 16. The strikes hit Syrian government forces, the Ministry of Defense, and part of the Presidential Palace in Damascus. Several dozen Syrian soldiers were reportedly killed. Israel’s Defense Forces stated they are prepared for prolonged operations to push Syrian troops out of Sweida and secure autonomy for the Druze community. The attacks followed threats from Israel’s defense minister and caused casualties in Damascus.

Clashes in Syria’s southern Suwayda province, which began last Sunday, have resulted in over 350 deaths. According to the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, 79 armed Druze fighters and 55 civilians have been killed, with 27 victims reportedly shot by Syria’s Defense and Interior Ministry forces. Additionally, 189 government forces and 18 Bedouin fighters died. Among the deceased is media worker Hasan al-Jabi, killed while on duty. An Israeli airstrike also reportedly killed 15 ministry personnel in southern Syria.

Israel launched multiple airstrikes in Damascus and southern Syria targeting areas near the Ministry of Defense and Presidential Palace. The operation aims to protect the Druze community in Sweida and suppress pro-government forces attacking them. The Syrian government condemned the attacks, accusing Israel of escalating tensions and destabilizing the region. Over 250 people have died in ongoing clashes between Druze, Bedouin tribes, and Syrian security forces in Sweida province, raising concerns about the worsening conflict in Syria.

Israel launched an airstrike targeting Syria’s state TV headquarters in central Damascus. A viral video shows a news anchor fleeing mid-broadcast as explosions hit nearby. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz shared the footage online. Israel claims its ongoing three-day offensive aims to protect Syria’s Druze minority and establish a demilitarized zone in southwestern Syria. Analysts believe the attacks also target Iranian-Syrian military positions.

Israeli forces launched a severe airstrike near Syria’s Ministry of Defense and Presidential Palace, killing one person and injuring 18 others—several critically—according to Syria’s state news agency SANA.

Just hours before the strike, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz had threatened action unless Syrian troops withdrew from Suwayda amid growing tensions between pro-government forces and local Druze militias. While Israel has not formally claimed responsibility, it continues targeting Iranian-backed groups in Syria.

At least 30 people have been killed and over 100 injured in intense overnight clashes between local security forces and armed Druze factions in the Syrian city of Sweida, according to reports from Sunday night.

The Syrian Ministry of Interior announced that security forces would intervene directly to restore order. Local media reported that the Damascus-Sweida highway has been shut down due to the violence. Similar deadly confrontations occurred in April and May. Sweida Governor Mustafa Al-Bakour has urged the public to remain calm as tensions continue to escalate.

Close sources from the Syrian presidency confirm that interim President Ahmad al-Shara attended at least one secret meeting with Israeli officials in Baku, Azerbaijan. However, Damascus has officially denied the allegations. The discussions, jointly organized by Israel and the United States, covered sensitive issues including Iran’s influence, Hezbollah, the resettlement of Gaza refugees, and a potential security agreement. Talks also touched on opening an Israeli coordination office, signaling a possible shift in Syria-Israel relations. Both parties have yet to make public comments on the matter.