GENEVA, July 17, 2025 (BSS/AFP) - The UN's Syria envoy expressed hope Wednesday for genuine de-escalation in the violence-hit Druze-majority city of Sweida as he voiced alarm at reports of corpses being desecrated and mutilated.

Syria said a new ceasefire would halt to military operations, though a truce announced on Tuesday appeared to have little effect in the southern region, where days of violence have left more than 300 dead, according to a monitor.

Geir Pedersen, the United Nations' special envoy for Syria, said he was "deeply alarmed by reports of civilians, religious figures and detainees being subject to humiliating treatment; the desecration and mutilation of corpses; sectarian incitement; and of the looting of private property".

In a statement, the Norwegian diplomat condemned acts of violence against civilians and voiced "deep concern over serious allegations of extrajudicial executions and arbitrary killings".

Noting the ceasefire efforts, Pedersen hoped they would "translate into genuine and lasting de-escalation on the ground that includes all sides".

The clashes in southern Syria began on Sunday between the Druze and Bedouin tribes, who have a long-running feud, sparking an intervention by government forces.

Pedersen urged the Syrian interim authorities to build a political consensus "that is representative of the unity and diversity of the country and all its components".

Israel bombed the Syrian army's headquarters in Damascus on Wednesday after warning the Islamist-led government to leave the country's Druze minority alone.

Pedersen, who has been the special envoy for Syria since 2018, strongly condemned Israel's airstrikes and urged Israel to cease all violations of Syrian sovereignty.