Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Syrian interim leader Ahmad al-Sharaa have agreed to a ceasefire, U.S. Ambassador to Türkiye Tom Barrack announced Saturday on social media.
The cessation of hostilities follows days of deadly clashes between Syrian government forces, Druze fighters, and Bedouin tribes in Syria's southwestern Sweida region.
The ceasefire was "supported" by the United States and "embraced" by Türkiye, Jordan and Syria's neighbors, Barrack said on X.
"We call upon Druze, Bedouins, and Sunnis to put down their weapons and together with other minorities build a new and united Syrian identity in peace and prosperity with its neighbors," the U.S envoy wrote.
There has been no comment yet from the Syrian authorities or Israeli officials.
On July 13, armed members of a Bedouin tribe in the countryside of Sweida, a predominantly Druze province, reportedly assaulted and robbed a young Druze man near the town of al-Masmiyah along the Damascus-Sweida highway. The brutal attack sparked retaliatory kidnappings, spiraling into full-scale deadly clashes between local Druze fighters, government troops, and Bedouin militias.
On Wednesday, Israel carried out several waves of airstrikes on Damascus and Sweida, claiming to protect the Druze minority from attacks, a move that has met with immediate strong condemnation from the international community.
Hours after the Israeli strikes, a fragile ceasefire between Syria's interim government and Druze spiritual leaders entered into effect, which includes a complete cessation of hostilities, the return of army units to their barracks, and the full reintegration of Sweida into state control.
Israeli, Syria agreed to ceasefire: US ambassador to Türkiye
Israeli, Syria agreed to ceasefire: US ambassador to Türkiye
Israeli, Syria agreed to ceasefire: US ambassador to Türkiye
Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Saturday China is willing to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and advance the China-Lesotho strategic partnership.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane in the capital of Lesotho.
During the meeting, Wang congratulated Lesotho on the 60th anniversary of its independence this year, and spoke highly of Lesotho government's efforts to prioritize economic development and steer the African country onto a path of sustainable growth. Since the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024, the two sides have advanced cooperation under the 10 partnership action plans unveiled at the summit, successfully implementing a number of key projects to effectively promote Lesotho's development and revitalization, Wang said.
China stands ready to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and push for greater development of the China-Lesotho strategic partnership, he added.
Calling on the two sides to firmly support each other, Wang said that China will accelerate the implementation of its zero-tariff policy for African countries, including Lesotho, expand bilateral trade, investment and industrial cooperation, facilitate broader access of Lesotho's specialty products to the Chinese market, and continue to support Lesotho's national development.
China will continue to stand firmly with African countries, uphold justice for the Global South, including Lesotho, oppose unilateralism and acts of bullying, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity, Wang said.
On his part, Matekane said during the meeting that Lesotho cherishes its friendship with China and the strategic partnership between the two countries, and expressed gratitude for China's valuable support for the development of African countries, including Lesotho.
Lesotho firmly adheres to the one-China principle and resolutely supports China in safeguarding its core interests, he said, noting that his country stands ready to strengthen strategic mutual trust with China, expand people-to-people exchanges, jointly implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, and deepen cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, manufacturing and energy.
Matekane stressed that China's zero-tariff policy for African products will inject new impetus into Lesotho's development. He also expressed Lesotho's willingness to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China on multilateral platforms such as BRICS to jointly address global challenges.
On the same day, Wang also held talks with Lejone Mpotjoana, minister of foreign affairs and international relations of Lesotho.
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
