Clashes between Bedouin clans and Druze groups in Syria’s southern Al-Suwayda province have triggered a severe humanitarian crisis, causing widespread disruptions to electricity, water supplies, and healthcare services, while also fueling sectarian hate speech and putting Druze communities at risk of retaliation, Human Rights Watch (HRW) reported on Tuesday.

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“Humanitarian access is blocked by insecurity, political obstacles, and deep mistrust between communities,” said Adam Coogle, HRW’s deputy director for the Middle East, calling for immediate, unhindered delivery of aid.

The United Nations (UN) estimates that roughly 93,000 people have been displaced since the fighting began. In Al-Suwayda city, most hospitals are non-operational, and HRW interviews reveal that corpses remain unburied in the predominantly Druze town’s streets.

The violence prompted Syrian army deployment in the area as well as Israeli airstrikes on Syrian territory. A ceasefire reached on July 18 between the Israeli regime and Syria allowed government forces to withdraw, returning control to local Druze leaders. However, HRW criticized the agreement for lacking civilian protection guarantees or safe return measures for the displaced, while Bedouin groups continue to mobilize in the region.

The first humanitarian convoy entered Al-Suwayda on July 20, but HRW warned of attacks on Syrian Red Crescent volunteers and government restrictions blocking international agencies and journalists from accessing the area.

Coogle emphasized that arming groups outside government control only deepens chaos, urging for professional, unbiased security forces to protect all communities fairly.

Official authorities have yet to provide an updated death toll.

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