DAMASCUS, Aug 20, 2025 (BSS/AFP) - Syria's foreign minister met with an 
Israeli delegation in Paris to discuss de-escalation and the situation in 
Druze-majority Sweida province after deadly sectarian violence last month, 
state media reported Wednesday.

Syria's Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani and Israeli Strategic Affairs 
Minister Ron Dermer attended the meeting on Tuesday, along with Syria's 
intelligence chief, Syrian state television said, citing an unnamed 
government source.

The meeting discussed "de-escalation and non-interference in Syria's internal 
affairs" and addressed monitoring the Sweida ceasefire announced by the 
United States last month, state news agency SANA said.

"Both sides affirmed their commitment to the unity of Syrian territory, their 
rejection of any projects aiming to divide it," and emphasised that Sweida 
and its Druze citizens are an integral part of Syria, the broadcaster 
reported the source as saying.

A week of violence began on July 13 with clashes between Druze fighters and 
Sunni Bedouin, but rapidly escalated, drawing in government forces, with 
Israel also carrying out strikes.

Israel, which has its own Druze community, has said it acted to defend the 
minority group as well as to enforce its own demands for the demilitarisation 
of southern Syria.

"These talks are taking place under US mediation, as part of diplomatic 
efforts aimed at enhancing security and stability in Syria and preserving the 
unity and integrity of its territory," SANA said, adding they resulted in 
"understandings that support stability in the region".

- 'More stable environment' -

Israel and Syria have technically remained at war since 1948.

As an Islamist-led offensive late last year toppled longtime Syrian ruler 
Bashar al-Assad, Israel deployed troops to the UN-patrolled buffer zone on 
the Golan Heights which has separated Israeli and Syrian forces since the 
armistice that followed the 1973 Arab-Israeli war.

State television said "the two sides discussed the need to reach a clear 
mechanism to reactivate the 1974 disengagement agreement... and establish a 
more stable environment".

Discussions also addressed the humanitarian situation in southern Syria, with 
both parties agreeing on "the need to intensify assistance for the people of 
Sweida and the Bedouin", it reported.

Hundreds demonstrated in Sweida on Saturday, calling for self-determination 
and some raising Israeli flags and accusing Damascus of imposing a blockade, 
something officials have denied, pointing to the entry of several aid 
convoys.

Paris hosted a similar meeting between Shaibani and Dermer last month, while 
a diplomatic source previously told AFP that other face-to-face meetings were 
held in Baku.

US envoy for Syria Thomas Barrack said on X late Tuesday that he met with 
Israeli Druze spiritual leader Mowafaq Tarif, discussing Sweida "and how to 
bring together the interests of all parties, de-escalate tensions, and build 
understanding".