
Syrian Red Crescent says first aid convoy enters Druze-majority Sweida city - Region
A fragile ceasefire appeared to be holding after Druze fighters retook control of Sweida city and government security forces deployed to the province, following violence since last Sunday that has killed more than 1,000 people, according to a monitor.
An AFP correspondent near Sweida city saw a convoy including trucks and ambulances bearing the Red Crescent symbol heading towards the city.
"It's the first convoy to enter after the recent events, and it has arrived and is now inside Sweida," said Syrian Red Crescent media and communications official Omar al-Malki.
He told AFP the convoy would be followed by others and said it came "in coordination with the government bodies and the local authorities in Sweida", which are controlled by the Druze.
The convoy of 32 vehicles was carrying basics including food, medical and fuel supplies as well as body bags, Malki said.
Residents of Sweida have been holed up in their homes without electricity and water, and food supplies have been scarce.
An AFP photographer said the morgue at Sweida's main hospital was full and bodies were lying on the ground outside the building.
The government instead said its own convoy of more than 40 aid trucks, accompanied by three ministers, was unable to enter Sweida.
A foreign ministry statement said that "outlawed armed militias loyal to Hikmat al-Hijri denied the entry of the convoy", referring to one of Sweida's most influential Druze religious leaders.
The authorities have strongly criticised Hijri after he called for international protection for the Druze and launched an appeal for assistance to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
In a statement on Sunday, Hijri welcomed "all humanitarian aid coming to the stricken province of Sweida through international organisations and bodies".
He called for "an immediate end to the brutal attack on Sweida province and a halt to disinformation campaigns... that aim to stoke violence and hatred".
Neighbouring Israel, which is also home to a Druze community, has presented itself as a defender of the minority in Syria.
Follow us on:
Short link:

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Egypt Independent
29 minutes ago
- Egypt Independent
Egypt, Italy FMs discuss Gaza crisis, Nile water security in phone call
CAIRO, July 27 (MENA) – Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Expatriates Minister Badr Abdelatty held a phone call on Sunday with Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani to discuss developments in the Gaza Strip, as well as the situation in the Horn of Africa and Libya and Egypt's water security. Foreign ministry spokesman Tamim Khallaf said Abdelatty briefed his Italian counterpart on Egypt's efforts to reach a Gaza ceasefire, ensure the flow of humanitarian and relief aid, and alleviate the suffering of Palestinians amid the grave Israeli violations in the enclave. Tajani expressed full appreciation for Egypt's role in mediating a ceasefire and facilitating humanitarian aid access. He also voiced support for the planned Gaza early recovery and reconstruction conference, which Egypt intends to host once a ceasefire is achieved, confirming Italy's participation. The two ministers agreed to maintain close coordination in the coming period to intensify efforts aimed at securing a ceasefire and guaranteeing the delivery of aid to Gaza. Khallaf said that the call also touched on the broader situation in the Horn of Africa, noting that both sides emphasized continued coordination between the two countries, underpinned by strong relations at the leadership level. Abdelatty also raised Egypt's concerns regarding the Nile River and national water security, outlining Egypt's position that shared water resources must be managed in line with international law. He called for cooperation based on consensus and mutual benefit to serve the interests of all Nile Basin countries. He also rejected unilateral actions in the Eastern Nile region and asserted that Egypt would take all necessary measures guaranteed by international law to protect its vital national interests. On Libya, the two ministers discussed the importance of holding simultaneous presidential and parliamentary elections as soon as possible. They also stressed the need to dismantle militias and ensure the withdrawal of all foreign forces, fighters, and mercenaries as essential steps toward achieving stability and curbing illegal migration.


See - Sada Elbalad
44 minutes ago
- See - Sada Elbalad
Egyptian, Qatari FMs Discuss Gaza Ceasefire Efforts, Reconstruction Plans
Nada Mustafa A phone call took place on Sunday between Dr. Badr Abdelatty, Egypt's Minister of Foreign Affairs and Migration, and Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar. Tamim Khallaf, official spokesperson for Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated that the call addressed developments in the Gaza Strip and the joint Egyptian-Qatari efforts to reach a ceasefire and end the grave crimes and violations committed by Israel against Palestinian civilians, as well as to alleviate the humanitarian suffering in Gaza. Both ministers reaffirmed their full commitment to continuing negotiations and intensifying efforts to swiftly reach a comprehensive ceasefire agreement that would facilitate the delivery of humanitarian and relief aid to the Strip and put an end to Israel's repeated violations. The call also touched on the preparations for the upcoming international conference hosted by Egypt on recovery and reconstruction, which aims to implement the Arab-Islamic plan for rebuilding Gaza. Moreover, both ministers agreed on the importance of maintaining joint coordination and continuing to rally international support for the establishment of a Palestinian state based on the June 4, 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital. read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News Israeli-Linked Hadassah Clinic in Moscow Treats Wounded Iranian IRGC Fighters Arts & Culture "Jurassic World Rebirth" Gets Streaming Date News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Videos & Features Tragedy Overshadows MC Alger Championship Celebration: One Fan Dead, 11 Injured After Stadium Fall Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Business Egyptian Pound Undervalued by 30%, Says Goldman Sachs Arts & Culture South Korean Actress Kang Seo-ha Dies at 31 after Cancer Battle Sports Get to Know 2025 WWE Evolution Results News "Tensions Escalate: Iran Probes Allegations of Indian Tech Collaboration with Israeli Intelligence" Arts & Culture Hawass Foundation Launches 1st Course to Teach Ancient Egyptian Language


See - Sada Elbalad
2 hours ago
- See - Sada Elbalad
Egypt Launches Train Service to Support Sudanese Voluntary Repatriation
H-Tayea Egypt has launched a dedicated train service to support the voluntary return of Sudanese citizens currently residing in the country. The train will depart from Ramses Station in Cairo, heading to Aswan, where further arrangements will be made to assist Sudanese nationals returning home. This humanitarian initiative is part of Egypt's ongoing support for the Sudanese people and the strong historical bond between the two nations of the Nile Valley. The Egyptian National Railways Authority has confirmed that a special, air-conditioned third-class train, Train No. 1940, will depart from Cairo on Monday, July 28, 2025, at 11:00 AM and arrive at the High Dam Station in Aswan by 11:40 PM. To ensure convenience and comfort, the train will include an additional luggage carriage specifically for passengers' personal belongings. The return journey for regular passengers will operate as Train No. 1945, departing Aswan on Tuesday, July 29, at 8:30 PM, and arriving in Cairo at 9:25 AM the following day. This effort was launched under the directives of Lieutenant General Kamel El-Wazir, Egypt's Deputy Prime Minister for Industrial Development and Minister of Industry and Transport, who instructed railway authorities to provide all necessary logistical and service support. The goal is to guarantee a safe, organized, and dignified journey for Sudanese citizens returning home. The Egyptian government emphasized that this is more than a transportation effort—it reflects deep solidarity with the Sudanese people during a time of hardship, and a continuation of Egypt's role as a regional partner offering real, on-the-ground support to neighboring nations in crisis. read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News Israeli-Linked Hadassah Clinic in Moscow Treats Wounded Iranian IRGC Fighters Arts & Culture "Jurassic World Rebirth" Gets Streaming Date News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Videos & Features Tragedy Overshadows MC Alger Championship Celebration: One Fan Dead, 11 Injured After Stadium Fall Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Business Egyptian Pound Undervalued by 30%, Says Goldman Sachs Arts & Culture South Korean Actress Kang Seo-ha Dies at 31 after Cancer Battle Sports Get to Know 2025 WWE Evolution Results News "Tensions Escalate: Iran Probes Allegations of Indian Tech Collaboration with Israeli Intelligence" Arts & Culture Hawass Foundation Launches 1st Course to Teach Ancient Egyptian Language