(MENAFN) The European Union on Saturday endorsed the ceasefire deal reached between Syria and Israel, facilitated by the United States and regional allies, stressing that the truce "must now be fully respected."

On Saturday, Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa declared an “immediate ceasefire” in Suwayda province, where violent clashes erupted on July 13 between Bedouin tribes and the Druze community. Israel also intervened, citing the protection of the minority group as justification.

In a release from EU Spokesman for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Anouar El Anouni, the union urged all involved parties "to immediately stop all acts of violence, to protect all civilians without distinction, and to take immediate steps to prevent incitement and sectarian discourse."

The EU further insisted that Israel and other external forces "fully respect Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity."

Highlighting the "hundreds of victims of the last days' violence," the bloc condemned reports of armed factions targeting unarmed civilians and demanded accountability, insisting that "all perpetrators of grave violations of international humanitarian law be held accountable … including with the support of relevant international mechanisms."

Brussels called for a "truly inclusive transition," emphasizing that Syria’s transitional and local authorities must safeguard all Syrians, promote disarmament and demobilisation, and reform security forces in accordance with international norms.

"The EU stands ready to assist in these endeavours and in supporting a peaceful and inclusive, Syrian-led and Syrian-owned transition," the statement concluded.

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