Israeli forces launched air strikes on Suwayda in southern Syria on Tuesday, hours after the Syrian government announced a ceasefire to halt ongoing clashes in the predominantly Druze city. Syria’s Ministry of Interior accused Israel of backing armed groups

Israel’s government said it was acting in defense of the Druze community, a minority group the Jewish state has pledged to protect.

A Syrian and an Israeli official are expected to meet in Baku later Saturday on the sidelines of President Ahmed al-Sharaa's visit to Azerbaijan, a diplomatic source in Damascus with knowledge of the issue said.