After Renewed Tensions with Israel, Al-Julani Resumes Harassment of the Druze

As relations between Syria and Israel escalate, the situation for the Druze community in Syria is deteriorating. On Sunday, demonstrators blocked the road connecting Damascus to the Druze region of As-Suwayda, preventing citizens from reaching the Syrian capital. This move is widely perceived as a deliberate attempt to hinder students from the province from reaching examination centers in the northern rural area.

Local Syrian sources reported that authorities refused to allow students from As-Suwayda to reach their designated exam centers, despite an order from Al-Julani granting them a special exam date. Forces on the ground blocked the passage of civilian vehicles moving toward Damascus, while trucks carrying food, fuel, and flour from the capital were permitted to pass toward As-Suwayda.

Concerns regarding the future of Druze students emerged three months ago, when they were effectively unable to leave the province. During that period, many members of the community who attempted to travel were kidnapped or murdered by Al-Julani's security personnel. Consequently, the leader issued a special order intended to allow them to take exams at a later time.

However, the order has proven ineffective, and students remain blocked. If the crisis does not end soon, thousands of young people in As-Suwayda, who have already suffered from years of instability, face the risk of losing an academic year, dropping out, or being forced into migration. Syrian experts warn that without a swift solution—such as the recognition of certificates, the possibility of local exams under neutral supervision, or international aid—an entire generation will suffer.