From the Liveblog of
Sunday, July 20, 2025
US envoy says ceasefire between Israel, Syria took effect at 5 p.m.
US Ambassador to Turkey Tom Barrack announces that the ceasefire between Israel and Syria came into effect at 5 p.m., officially drawing a line under the strikes carried out by Israel in recent days on Syrian military personnel and structures amid deadly violence in the Druze-majority Sweida province.
“Escalating hostilities can only be contained with an agreement to pause violence, protect the innocent, allow humanitarian access, and step back from danger,” writes Barrack, who also serves as special envoy for Syria. “As of 17:00 Damascus time, all parties have navigated to a pause and cessation of hostilities.”
He says that the next step in de-escalating the situation is “a complete exchange of hostages and detainees” — likely referring to the release of Syrian Druze captured by government forces and tribal militias, and vice versa.
Escalating hostilities can only be contained with an agreement to pause violence, protect the innocent, allow humanitarian access, and step back from danger. As of 17:00 Damascus time, all parties have navigated to a pause and cessation of hostilities. The next foundation stone…
— Ambassador Tom Barrack (@USAMBTurkiye) July 20, 2025
The Times of Israel Community.