The conflict drew airstrikes against Syrian forces by neighboring Israel in defense of the Druze minority before most of the fighting was halted by a truce announced Wednesday.

Sectarian fighting between the Druze and Bedouins in southern Syria has killed over 50 people, with Israel intervening with airstrikes to prevent government soldiers from gathering in the south. Syria once again risks descending back into sectarian strife,

In his speech, Sharaa accused Israel of trying to drag the country into chaos after it launched airstrikes in Syria, which officials said are meant to defend the Druze minority group. In turn, Israel accused the government of directing fighting against the Druze, a community the Jewish state has pledged to protect.