Overview

• Mourhaf Abou Qasra announced a total ceasefire on July 15 after negotiations with Soueïda notables, yet intermittent clashes and artillery fire persist.
• Israel launched airstrikes on Syrian army positions in Soueïda and struck the military headquarters in Damascus, reinforcing its border troops to deter government forces.
• The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reports at least 248 deaths since July 13, including 64 Druze fighters and 28 civilians, with allegations that 21 Druze noncombatants were executed summarily.
• The Syrian presidency condemned what it called “shameful acts” against civilians and vowed to investigate and punish those responsible following widespread rights abuse accusations.
• France expressed deep concern over civilian casualties and urged all parties in southern Syria to halt hostilities and ensure the protection of noncombatants.