As Gaza sinks deeper into famine, Suweida struggles to maintain a fragile ceasefire that could collapse at any moment, following a brutal week of ongoing violence across the Levant
Violence continued to grip southern Syria over the weekend, with deadly clashes unfolding in the Suweida province despite an official ceasefire announced by interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa.
On Saturday, Syria’s interior ministry claimed that fighting in the city of Suweida had stopped following the intervention of state security forces. But that calm appeared short-lived. Gunfire was still heard in the city, and AFP journalists reported scenes of chaos, with armed men looting and torching shops. Reuters also noted that heavy fighting persisted in other areas across the province.
The unrest has reportedly left more than 900 people dead in the past week alone, amid widespread accusations of atrocities committed by all parties involved. Government forces, who were deployed earlier in the week, have been accused of siding against the Druze community and participating in attacks rather than quelling them.
Druze fighters reportedly managed to drive out Bedouin gunmen from Suweida on Saturday, though no independent sources have confirmed this account.
The escalating violence has drawn international attention. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio took to X to denounce what he described as the “rape and slaughter of innocent people” and demanded an immediate end to the bloodshed.
In a major development earlier in the week, Israel entered the fray—launching strikes on Syrian military targets, including the defense ministry in Damascus. The move followed Israel’s public expression of support for the Druze community.
Sharaa’s ceasefire deal, brokered with U.S. support, was said to include a halt to Israeli airstrikes in exchange for protection guarantees for Druze civilians. Israeli officials reportedly agreed to the plan on those terms.
In Lebanon
No Disarmament: Hezbollah’s Qassem rejected disarmament, saying Israel “will not take our weapons.” His remarks undermine U.S. envoy Thomas Barrack’s recent efforts to broker a deal involving Hezbollah’s disarmament.
Barrack had expressed optimism after receiving Lebanon’s response to the proposal. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam called the U.S. plan an “opportunity” that could lead to Israel’s withdrawal, while stressing the need for Israel to respect the ceasefire.
Gas Race: Lebanon is renewing efforts to tap into Eastern Mediterranean gas reserves, after years of delays and failed discoveries. A U.S. report estimates a quarter of the region’s 3.5 trillion cubic meters of gas may lie in Lebanese waters. Last week, Lebanon formed a committee to resume maritime border talks with Cyprus. A new agreement could expand its territory by 2,500 square kilometers. Talks are underway, with technical teams already meeting.
A response: Lebanon’s response to the U.S. proposal is finalized and will be delivered to envoy Thomas Barrack today, according to Al-Liwaa. Presidents Aoun, Berri, and PM Nawaf Salam finalized the text, which reflects state demands and Hezbollah’s concerns.
Barrack requested clarifications after responding to earlier Lebanese questions. While the response supports exclusive state control of arms, it includes no specific timeline for implementation.
Druze Unity: At a Beirut gathering, Druze spiritual leader Sheikh Sami Abi al-Muna warned that Syria’s sectarian clashes could invite Israeli intervention, which he said undermines Druze identity. He urged respect for the ceasefire and called for national dialogue. Lebanese Druze leader Walid Jumblatt called for an investigative committee to probe violations against both Druze and Bedouins in Syria.
Banking Future: The U.S. Treasury monitors Lebanon’s IMF talks and its cash economy, aiming to block Hezbollah funding. They have detailed data on Hezbollah-linked transactions through Qard al-Hassan loans. Funds flow through Lebanese banks to the U.S. and Europe, raising concerns abroad about Hezbollah exposure. In response, Lebanon’s central bank hired U.S. firm K2 Integrity to help regulate the cash economy.
In The Region
Gaza Famine: Hunger in Gaza has become a harsh reality, with people collapsing from starvation as essential supplies like flour and medical aid remain blocked. Since March, bread is scarce and unaffordable, hospitals report rising malnutrition deaths, including dozens of children. Hundreds of thousands, especially children and pregnant women, face severe risk. Residents say they’re no longer seeking food, just survival, as hunger consumes daily life amid global silence and despair.
Iran Back on Track: Iran has replaced air defense systems damaged during last month’s conflict with Israel, according to Mahmoud Mousavi, deputy for operations in Iran’s regular army, as reported by Defah Press.
In June, Israel’s air force struck heavily within Iranian airspace, damaging some defenses, while Iran retaliated with missile and drone attacks on Israel.
Mousavi said Iran used domestic resources and pre-stored systems to quickly restore its air defenses and maintain airspace security.
Protest in Rabat: Tens of thousands of Moroccans rallied in Rabat on Sunday to protest Gaza’s humanitarian crisis and demand the reversal of Morocco’s normalization deal with Israel. Demonstrators waved Palestinian flags and held signs urging an end to the blockade and free aid access. Chants included “It’s a disgrace, Gaza is under fire,” “Lift the blockade,” and “No to normalization.” The protest was organized by a coalition of groups, including the Islamist movement Al-Adl Wal-Ihssane and left-wing parties.
What We Are Reading
Filed Lives: Journalist Valeria Rando reported on the plight of nearly 2,000 Syrian detainees held in overcrowded Lebanese prisons, many without fair trials and facing torture. Following Assad’s fall, Lebanon and Syria began talks to repatriate some prisoners, partly to ease overcrowding and gain international aid. But legal hurdles, sectarian tensions, and detainees’ fears complicate the process. Rando highlighted wrongful imprisonments and Lebanon’s harsh labeling of dissenters as terrorists. Only a small number of detainees qualify for extradition under Lebanese law. Hunger strikes and human rights concerns persist amid the political and legal complexities surrounding their fate.
A Confederacy of Arms: Editor-in-chief Makram Rabbah says Lebanon avoids true sovereignty by not setting clear steps to disarm Hezbollah, as UN Resolution 1701 demands. Hezbollah and Amal keep arms to control state resources without accountability, using their weapons for political power beyond the state’s authority. Rabbah urges confronting Hezbollah politically—demanding clear conditions for disarmament—since their calls for “guarantees” mainly protect their privileges, turning Lebanon into a sectarian spoils system.
The Urgent Need for Sustainable Rubble Management in Lebanon: Journalist Rodayna Raydan reports that Lebanon faces serious environmental risks from the rubble and hazardous waste left after conflict, including materials like white phosphorus, solar panels, batteries, and ammunition. Experts warn that improper removal and handling could release toxic particles into the air, soil, and water, posing long-term health dangers such as respiratory issues and increased cancer risk. Despite funds being allocated for cleanup, a lack of transparency and oversight raises fears that corruption may overshadow environmental safety in the reconstruction process.
Lebanon’s “Day After”: Journalist Farid Fakhereddine reports that Lebanon’s brief hope for reform after the 2023 Gaza war quickly faded as entrenched political forces, especially Hezbollah, blocked change. The government remains deadlocked, with no progress on disarming militias or restoring state control. Economically, Lebanon operates a deliberately maintained cash economy that shields wealth and power, blocking reforms and keeping the country isolated from the global financial system.
Not Just About Arms, but About Statehood: Political psychologist Ramzi Abu Ismail says Lebanon ignores urgent warnings like U.S. envoy Barrack’s about its collapse, focusing instead on tone. He notes Barrack’s secret talks with Hezbollah show the U.S. may bypass Lebanon’s weak state to deal directly with militias. Abu Ismail stresses Lebanon has lost real sovereignty—its institutions fail to control borders or govern effectively, making oaths meaningless without action.
