Israel launched airstrikes in Damascus and hit government forces in the south, demanding they withdraw and saying that Israel aimed to protect Syrian Druze - part of a small but influential minority that also has members in Lebanon and Israel.

The Syrian Islamist-led government announced a ceasefire in Sweida following deadly factional violence. Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa praised international mediation while criticizing Israeli airstrikes.

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa has announced a "comprehensive" ceasefire in the southern province of Sweida after nearly a week of violence that left hundreds dead. The government said on Saturday that it was redeploying security forces in the province and called for all parties to refrain from further violence.