JERUSALEM, July 19 (Xinhua) -- The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported on Saturday that dozens of Israeli Druze civilians forcibly crossed the border into Syria overnight, amid escalating tensions following recent clashes in Syria's southern Sweida province.
Deadly fighting erupted last week in Syria between Druze fighters, Bedouin tribes, and forces of Syria's interim government.
The border incident occurred near Majdal Shams in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, where Israeli soldiers and Border Police attempted to disperse a violent gathering of civilians. Despite their efforts, dozens managed to cross into Syrian territory, according to the IDF.
"The IDF strongly condemns all violence against its personnel and security forces," the Israeli military statement said, adding that "crossing the border into Syria is a criminal offense that endangers both the civilians involved and IDF soldiers."
The army said efforts are underway to return those who crossed the border.
On Saturday, U.S. Special Envoy for Syria Tom Barrack announced that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Syrian interim leader Ahmed al-Sharaa had agreed to a cessation of hostilities, brokered by the United States, following recent deadly sectarian clashes in southern Syria that prompted Israeli intervention through heavy airstrikes. ■
