On Saturday 19 July, the European Union welcomed the ceasefire agreement between Syria and Israel. The ceasefire came into effect on 20 July, following the withdrawal of Bedouin fighters and Sunni tribes from part of Suwayda, which has been retaken by the Druze.
“The ceasefire must now be fully respected”, stressed the spokesperson for the European External Action Service in a press release. He urged all parties to immediately cease all acts of violence, to protect all civilians “without distinction” and to take immediate steps to prevent incitement to violence and sectarian discourse. Israel and all other foreign actors must fully respect Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, he added.
“Appalled” by the hundreds of victims of the violence of recent days - more than 1,200 dead in a week, according to NGOs - the EU is calling for all those responsible for serious violations of international humanitarian law to be held accountable and brought to justice.
“Now is the time for dialogue and for advancing a truly inclusive transition”, said the spokesperson, noting that the Syrian transitional authorities, like the local authorities, had a responsibility to protect all Syrians and to take the necessary measures for the disarmament, demobilisation and restructuring of the national security forces, in accordance with international standards. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)