Israeli officials confirmed the 48-hour window on Friday, citing “ongoing instability in southwest Syria” as justification. Damascus had earlier sent troops into Sweida to restore order but withdrew under a truce following Israeli airstrikes, prompted by reports of abuses against the Druze population. “Israel has agreed to allow limited entry of the internal security forces into Sweida district,” one Israeli official said, speaking anonymously.

The Sweida region—home to Syria’s Druze minority—erupted into violence amid clashes with Bedouin factions, sparking calls from Druze communities in Israel and Lebanon for international intervention. Israeli strikes overnight targeted Syrian positions accused of violations, despite U.S. objections to such military actions.

Thousands of Bedouin fighters reportedly continued entering the province on Friday, raising fears the violence would persist. Human rights groups documented 321 deaths since Sunday, including women, children, and medical workers—some allegedly executed in field conditions.

Humanitarian Conditions Deteriorate As UN Calls For Access

Local residents described dire conditions in Sweida’s north and west, where water, fuel, electricity, and communications have been cut for days. “There has been no electricity, no fuel, no food, no drink—nothing at all,” said one resident, Mudar, speaking anonymously.

The UN human rights office urged Syria’s interim authorities to ensure accountability after credible reports of summary executions and kidnappings. The UN refugee agency also appealed for humanitarian access, noting that aid operations had been blocked by the fighting.

Syria’s emergency ministry reported treating more than 500 wounded and evacuating hundreds of families from the city. Syrian interim leader Ahmed al-Sharaa accused Israel of trying to divide Syria and reaffirmed a pledge to protect the country’s Druze citizens.