At least 594 people have been killed in violent clashes between Druze and Bedouin communities in Syria’s Suweida province, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. The fighting, which turned sectarian, included alleged executions and heavy civilian casualties, according to BBC.

Among the dead are 300 Druze, including civilians and fighters, and over 250 government personnel. Israeli airstrikes, reportedly aimed at protecting the Druze, also killed several government troops and struck key sites in Damascus.

The Syrian government declared a ceasefire and withdrew forces, but Druze leader Sheikh Hikmat al-Hajri rejected it, vowing continued resistance. Israel has pledged to prevent further Syrian military presence in the south.

Syria’s interim president condemned the Israeli strikes, warning of attempts to destabilize the country, and pledged to safeguard the rights of all communities, BBC reported.