Violence in Suwayda: Israel's Druze Leader Urges Europe to Intervene, Justifies Israeli Military Actions
In a recent visit to Brussels, Sheikh Muwafaq Tarif, the leader of the Druze community in Israel, accused the Syrian government of perpetrating atrocities against civilians, particularly the Druze community in Suwayda, and defended Israeli intervention.
Sheikh Tarif stated that the Druze community in Suwayda would have been wiped out if there had been no Israeli intervention. This assertion comes amidst a wave of violence between the Druze and Bedouins in Syria since July, leaving thousands dead or injured.
The clashes began with tit-for-tat kidnappings and attacks between members of local Sunni Bedouins and Druze armed factions in Suwayda. The violence has resulted in over 230,000 displaced people, with reports of looting, robbery, rape, and forced displacement of tens of thousands of people.
Alawites loyal to al-Assad, who belongs to the same ethnoreligious group, were the first community to suffer as part of the violence. Christians and more recently Druze have also been targeted.
In response to these atrocities, the UN Security Council unanimously issued a statement in mid-August, condemning the acts of violence against civilians in Syria. The Syrian Interim Government has established a commission to verify the affiliations and backgrounds of individuals involved in acts of violence.
Israel launched strikes on government convoys in Suwayda and the Defense Ministry headquarters in Damascus, citing protection for the Druze community. Sheikh Tarif defended these strikes, stating that they were for the sake of the Druze community and not on behalf of the Israeli government.
The Syrian Interim Authority has been urged to ensure accountability for all perpetrators of violence, regardless of their affiliations. The Council emphasized the importance of inclusiveness and transparency in the justice and reconciliation processes for establishing sustainable peace in Syria.
Sheikh Tarif met with the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, and several other European officials during his visit to Brussels. The current situation in Suwayda includes a siege, lack of electricity, water, medicine, and milk for children.
It's important to note that there is no publicly available information regarding the name of the Israeli government official responsible for the Israeli airstrikes on Syria.
In Israel, there are approximately 150,000 Druze, most of whom have Israeli citizenship and serve in the Israeli army. Some Druze in Israel have reached senior military and political positions, often presented as an example of coexistence and tolerance within the Jewish state.
The meeting in Brussels was to discuss recent clashes in Suwayda, Syria, and the ongoing humanitarian crisis. As the situation continues to unfold, it is crucial for all parties involved to prioritise the protection of civilians and work towards a peaceful resolution.
