Middle East: Syrian forces return to Sweida amid unrest

• Syria's government has sent forces back to Sweida
• Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa has called for a nationwide ceasefire
• 32 have reportedly been killed near food sites in Gaza
• Deaths connected to US and Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation aid centers

Here is a round-up of developments in Israel, Gaza and the wider Middle East on Saturday, July 19.

07/19/2025July 19, 2025

Syrian government announces ceasefire, deploys forces in Sweida

Syria's Islamist-led government has deployed security forces to the southern city of Sweida and called for an end to days of deadly factional fighting.

The presidency announced a nationwide ceasefire on Saturday, urging all sides to halt hostilities. The move comes after nearly a week of violence in Sweida province, where clashes between Druze factions and Bedouin fighters have left hundreds dead, according to local sources.

The interior ministry confirmed that internal security forces had begun operations in the area.

In a separate address, interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa said mediation by "Arab and American" actors had helped calm tensions. He also condemned Israel for recent airstrikes targeting Syrian government positions in the south and in Damascus.

Israel has said its strikes aimed to protect the Druze minority, which has a large presence in Israel and in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights.

Sharaa warned that Syria would not become a "testing ground for partition, secession, or sectarian incitement."

07/19/2025July 19, 2025

Israeli fire kills dozens near Gaza aid hubs, witnesses say

Palestinians mourn those who were killed in Israeli airstrike targeted civilians waiting for aid at a US aid distribution pointImage: Abed Rahim Khatib/Anadolu/picture alliance

Israeli troops have opened fire on Palestinians gathering near food distribution sites in southern Gaza, killing at least 32 people, according to witnesses and hospital officials.

The deadly shootings occurred Saturday near facilities run by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a controversial aid group backed by the US and Israel.

The DPA news agency reported that at least 37 people were killed. The deaths were reported to have been near two aid hubs.

At one site in the Khan Younis area, about 100 were wounded by gunfire and shelling and brought to Nasser Hospital from the nearby al-Tina district.

Hospital staff warned that the death toll could rise due to the severity of many injuries.

The Israeli military said it was investigating the incident in response to media inquiries.

The GHF began operations in late May after a prolonged Israeli blockade of aid. Supported by both Israel and the US, the foundation has drawn criticism from the United Nations for running too few centers and putting civilians at risk.

According to the UN, hundreds of people have died near aid convoys and distribution hubs in Gaza since the end of May.

07/19/2025July 19, 2025

Welcome to our coverage

Unrest in Syria continued on Saturday following increased tensions based around the region of Sweida in the south where Druze and Bedouin factions have been fighting.

The deployment of Syrian forces during the week resulted in Israel launching strikes on Syria, including in the capital Damascus.

US, Arab and Turkish support brought about a ceasefire between Syria and Damascus.

At the same time, the situation in Gaza remains dire with many desparate for aid, but with Israel only allowing aid centers to be operated by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), an aid group backed by Israel and the United States.

There have been numerous reports of Palestinians being killed as they gather to receive aid since the GHF started operating in the enclave.

Follow along as DW brings you the latest reports, explainers and analysis on developments across the Middle East.