Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan (R) and visiting Syrian foreign affairs chief Asaad Hassan al-Shibani attend a joint press conference in Ankara, Türkiye, Aug. 13, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and visiting Syrian foreign affairs chief Asaad Hassan al-Shibani on Wednesday accused Israel of being one of the main actors behind the recent violence in Sweida, a predominantly Druze province in southern Syria.

"One of the main actors behind this dark picture has turned out to be Israel," Fidan said at a joint press conference with al-Shibani following their meeting, adding that Israel's "expansionist policies" in the region also extend into Syria.

Syria "should be one where all peoples, beliefs, and cultures are preserved, and can live together," Fidan said, noting that Türkiye supports Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and shares the Syrian authorities' position on fostering inclusivity among the country's diverse communities.

Al-Shibani, for his part, accused Israel of orchestrating events in Sweida, adding that "Israel's repeated threats are targeting Syria's sovereignty and endangering the safety of our citizens."

Noting attempts being made to divide Syria, al-Shibani said that the Druze community is an integral part of the Syrian society, and that Damascus remains committed to regional stability.

A ceasefire in Sweida was declared on July 19 by Syrian interim leader Ahmad al-Sharaa after weeks of sectarian clashes and Israeli strikes. Under the terms of the deal, interim government forces were to withdraw from populated areas, while local factions and Druze religious leaders would oversee internal security.

Despite the ceasefire, fighting has flared repeatedly, threatening to unravel the agreement. In recent days, several humanitarian aid convoys organized by UN agencies and the Syrian Arab Red Crescent entered the province, but the renewed violence has reportedly disrupted further aid delivery.