Jerusalem: Dozens of Israeli Druze remain in Syria after illegally crossing the border on Wednesday, local media said on Thursday. Israel's public broadcaster KAN reported that the border area was quiet overnight. The Israeli army, in coordination with the police, had managed to return several Israeli Druze from the buffer zone, while Syrian Druze who crossed into Israel were also sent back.

According to Anadolu Agency, the broadcaster noted that 'dozens of Israeli Druze are still in Syria, and dozens of Syrian Druze are still in Israel.' The reason for the Syrian Druze crossing into Israel remains unspecified, though local reports suggested they fled Suwayda after allegedly committing 'violations.'

It was also reported that the Israeli army is expected to repair the damaged border fence within 24 hours. Footage shared on social media on Wednesday depicted hundreds of Druze crossing the border fence into Syria on foot, with Israeli soldiers attempting to prevent the crossing.

These developments occur amid escalating tensions within Israel's Druze community following deadly clashes between armed Druze and Bedouin groups in Syria's southern Suwayda province, resulting in at least 30 fatalities. Israel has launched airstrikes in Syria for months, citing the protection of the Druze in the Arab country.

On Wednesday, Syria's Interior Ministry confirmed a new ceasefire agreement in Suwayda, proposing full reintegration of the province under central government authority. The deal was announced amid Israeli airstrikes targeting Damascus, Suwayda, and Daraa, under the pretext of protecting the Druze community.