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Sheikh Aqil of the Druze: Rejects Negotiations with Damascus and Calls for Fundamental Reforms
The Sheikh Aqil of the Unified Druze in Sweida, Hikmat al-Hajri, expressed his rejection of negotiations with the Syrian government in Damascus, emphasizing that solving the crisis in the province requires radical changes and that what happened must be subject to international investigation. In an interview with Al Arabiya/Al Hadath channel, he said: "I feel a deep wound for the lack of condemnation of what happened in Sweida," adding, "I thanked Israel because it defended us and provided us with protection."
Al-Hajri also added: "We were subjected to violations that forced us to ally with any party to save ourselves," clarifying that "bloodshed cannot be forgiven." He called for a new constitution and a government that protects all Syrians, affirming that the current government destroyed all the bridges of trust that existed as a result of recent events.
He pointed out that they have never sought division, and that this circumstance imposed itself on them, according to him. He concluded by saying that there is a smear campaign aimed at demonizing their stance.
Regarding recent events, Sweida experienced intense clashes that lasted a week on July 13 between Druze fighters and Bedouin tribes, with security forces intervening to halt the confrontations. The clashes resulted in the displacement of around 200,000 people, according to United Nations estimates. Since July 19, the province announced a ceasefire, with the violent events diminishing and leaving hundreds of victims, and the return of displaced persons has begun slowly.
