ISRAEL AND SYRIA AGREE TO A CEASEFIRE, U.S. ENVOY SAYS
In a significant diplomatic breakthrough, Israel and Syria have reportedly agreed to a temporary ceasefire following weeks of escalating cross-border tensions and military exchanges. The announcement was made late Monday evening by U.S. Special Envoy for Middle East Affairs, Ambassador David Goldstein, who played a key role in brokering the agreement with support from other regional stakeholders, including Jordan and Russia.
The ceasefire comes amid growing international concern over rising hostilities between the two countries, particularly along the Golan Heights, where recent clashes have left dozens of soldiers and civilians dead on both sides. The violence, which included artillery exchanges, airstrikes, and drone incursions, threatened to spiral into a wider regional conflict and further destabilize the already volatile Middle East.
Ambassador Goldstein confirmed the ceasefire during a press briefing in Amman, Jordan. “Both Israel and Syria have agreed to halt all offensive operations with immediate effect,” he said. “This ceasefire is the result of intense diplomatic efforts and represents a critical opportunity to de-escalate tensions and prevent further loss of life.”
Under the terms of the ceasefire, Israel has agreed to suspend airstrikes against Syrian military infrastructure near Damascus and along the southern border, while Syria has pledged to cease rocket and drone launches targeting Israeli positions in the Golan Heights. Both sides will also establish communication channels to avoid miscalculations and accidental engagements.
Israeli officials have not yet issued a formal statement but a senior Israeli defense source, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) had received orders to suspend offensive operations pending further diplomatic talks. Syrian state media, meanwhile, reported that the country “welcomed the efforts of friendly nations to restore calm and uphold the sovereignty of Syria.”
The ceasefire agreement has been cautiously welcomed by the international community. The United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres issued a statement urging both sides to honor the ceasefire and engage in further dialogue. “The people of the region have endured enough suffering. This agreement must be a stepping stone toward a more lasting peace.”
The U.S. State Department praised the efforts of regional allies, especially Jordan, for facilitating behind-the-scenes negotiations. Russia, which maintains a military presence in Syria and has close ties with the Assad regime, is also believed to have played a crucial role in persuading Damascus to halt its military provocations.
Despite the ceasefire, analysts warn that underlying tensions remain unresolved. Israel remains concerned about Iranian-backed militias operating inside Syria and has repeatedly stated that it will not tolerate threats to its national security from across the border. Syria, on the other hand, views Israel’s continued occupation of the Golan Heights as a violation of international law.
Nevertheless, the agreement offers a rare moment of calm in a region plagued by conflict. For now, the guns have fallen silent, and the focus has shifted to diplomacy. The coming days will be crucial in determining whether this ceasefire can lead to a more durable peace or merely serve as a brief pause in a long-running and deeply rooted conflict.