Druze Spiritual Leader Appeals to UN to End Sweida Siege
Sheikh موفق طريف, the spiritual leader of the Druze community, has sent an urgent appeal to the United Nations demanding the lifting of the blockade on Syria's Sweida Governorate. He warned of severe humanitarian and service repercussions in the region, stating the renewed siege is a continuation of last summer's attack and aims to undermine the rights and standing of the residents of Jabal al-Druze, while also intimidating them.
The blockade, which intensified approximately two weeks ago, has severely restricted the entry of food and fuel, leading to the paralysis of hospitals, shortages of drinking water, and widespread power and internet outages. Sheikh طريف highlighted that these harsh conditions disproportionately affect all residents, particularly the sick, elderly, women, and children, warning that continued hardship could result in a humanitarian catastrophe.
He also pointed to systematic media disinformation intended to conceal the reality on the ground and distort facts for the international community. Sheikh طريف urged all international bodies to work towards dismantling the siege in all its forms and to provide civilian and humanitarian support to Jabal al-Druze and Sweida, similar to aid provided in other global conflict zones. He stressed that international intervention is now a pressing necessity to prevent a dire deterioration of the situation.
The appeal was also sent to UN agencies and relevant embassies, accompanied by data and facts about the current conditions. Concurrently, Sheikh طريف is maintaining contact with the Israeli Prime Minister's office and security agencies, warning of escalating tensions in Jabal al-Druze and calling for action on all levels before it is too late. His message to the UN is described as an urgent humanitarian plea to save Sweida from a siege threatening its inhabitants' lives and undermining its stability.
