Thread by @HmzhMo

The security situation in Suwayda has deteriorated as a direct consequence of flagrant Israeli intervention, followed by the withdrawal of Syrian security forces responding to international mediation efforts. This has resulted in the loss of the ability to uphold order and stability in the region, impacting the capacity for continued humanitarian operations and the provision of basic needs for the civilian population.

Lack of state control directly leads to the worsening of conditions. The experience of Al-Hijri militias is cited as proof of these formations' inability to control affairs; they are accused of committing major crimes and inviting external intervention, leading to widespread chaos and armed actions. This reality reaffirms that the only solution lies in the return of the state with its regular institutions to enforce security and restore stability.

Despite repeated attempts, a humanitarian aid convoy organized by the Syrian government has been unable to enter Suwayda. Outlawed armed groups loyal to Hikmat Al-Hijri denied entry to a convoy led by three ministers and governors from the Syrian Government. Only a limited number of Syrian Arab Red Crescent vehicles were allowed to proceed. The convoy carries essential medical supplies and humanitarian assistance, supported by international and local organizations. Furthermore, 20 ambulances dispatched by the Ministry of Health as part of the emergency response were also denied entry. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is actively working with relevant authorities to secure the evacuation of staff and personnel from humanitarian and international organizations present in Suwayda. There is also deep concern over the continued disappearance of the Head of the Civil Defence Centre in Suwayda, who was abducted four days ago, with his whereabouts and well-being remaining unknown.

The state has responded to the calls of international mediators to avoid a military confrontation and an open war that would hinder Syria's development path. It has redeployed its forces, allowing mediators to implement understandings related to stopping the fighting and achieving security. However, outlawed armed groups took a different path, engaging in acts of revenge and systematic displacement that threaten demographic change in the region, specifically targeting Bedouin tribes in Sweida. This ignited tribal resistance, leading to armed mobilization and clashes inside and outside the city.

To prevent further escalation, a ceasefire was announced, incorporating understandings agreed upon with the Syrian state to ensure current disengagement and prevent future recurrence, providing another opportunity for political solutions under the state's umbrella.

The resolution plan is unfolding in steps, encompassing:

* Deployment of Internal Security Forces: The plan began with the deployment of internal security forces to act as disengagement and conflict resolution units across most of Suwayda's western and northern countryside, as well as on main roads outside cities, to prevent any friction.

* Opening Humanitarian Crossings: This phase involves opening humanitarian crossings between Daraa and Suwayda, including the Busra al-Sham and Busr al-Harir crossings. The aim is to ensure the safe exit of civilians, the wounded, and anyone wishing to leave Suwayda. An emergency committee, comprising various ministries and government bodies, has been formed to bring in humanitarian and medical aid, provide basic services, and repair infrastructure. During this phase, efforts will also be made to secure all Bedouin families held in areas controlled by outlaw groups and to facilitate prisoner exchanges.

* Activation of State Institutions: This step will commence once calm is established. It includes activating state institutions and the gradual deployment of internal security forces throughout the governorate, in accordance with agreed understandings. The goal is to ensure a return to normal life and the rule of law under the state's umbrella.

Internationally, the Syrian position is gaining increasing understanding from the international community. The swift response of the Security Council to hold an emergency session, clear Arab support, and rising anti-Israel sentiment all strengthen Syria's position in this crisis. This international understanding is seen as a result of a balanced foreign policy that rejects provocations and carefully avoids giving any justifications for external interventions.

Ultimately, the real challenge is to transform this crisis into an opportunity to strengthen national unity. The Syrian experience has repeatedly shown that the Syrian people are capable of overcoming hardships when their ranks are united. Suwayda, as it always has been, will remain a vital part of Syria, and the solution there, as in all regions, will be a comprehensive national solution that rejects division and preserves sovereignty.

Just as a master weaver meticulously repairs a torn tapestry by reintroducing lost threads and strengthening weakened sections, the efforts in Sweida aim to mend the social fabric and reintegrate the region, ensuring that its unique patterns contribute to the whole without being isolated or compromised.