In a major diplomatic effort, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has confirmed that Washington and other involved nations have agreed on “specific steps” to stop the ongoing conflict between Israel and Syria. Rubio said the actions are meant to take effect “tonight,” marking the latest attempt at a ceasefire.
Tensions surged after Israel launched fresh airstrikes on key targets in Syria. These included the Syrian Defence Ministry headquarters and the state-run television building. At the same time, the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) deployed more troops near the border to protect the Druze minority, fearing potential attacks.
The violence began after fighting broke out between Druze community members in Sweida and Syrian government forces. In response, Israel launched military action.
Rubio shared updates on the situation through social media. On X (formerly Twitter), he wrote, “We have engaged all the parties involved in the clashes in Syria. We have agreed on specific steps that will bring this troubling and horrifying situation to an end tonight. This will require all parties to deliver on the commitments they have made, and this is what we fully expect them to do.”
Speaking to journalists earlier from the White House, Rubio acknowledged that the issue is rooted in long-standing regional tensions. “These are historic, longtime rivalries … and it led to an unfortunate situation and a misunderstanding … We’re on our way towards a real de-escalation … In the next few hours, we hope to see some real progress to end what you’ve been seeing,” he said.
Rubio also added, “It led to an unfortunate situation and a misunderstanding, it looks like, between the Israeli side and the Syrian side.” While seated with former President Donald Trump in the Oval Office, Rubio emphasized that Israel-Syria tensions have a long history and resolving them won't be easy.
Meanwhile, Syrian officials and Druze leaders have declared a renewed ceasefire. Syrian troops have started pulling out from Sweida, a city largely inhabited by the Druze minority.
However, doubts remain over whether this truce will last. A similar ceasefire announced earlier on Tuesday collapsed quickly, after top Druze cleric Sheikh Hikmat Al-Hijri refused to accept it.
Despite the announcement, Israeli airstrikes have not stopped. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz made it clear that their military actions will continue until the threat is fully removed. "He said the army would “continue to operate vigorously in Sweida to eliminate the forces that attacked the Druze until they fully withdraw.”
If the ceasefire succeeds and Israel ends its offensive, observers believe Donald Trump might seek recognition for helping stop another war. Some even suggest he could be nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize, a possibility floated during past conflicts.
