Syrian officials and Druze leaders have announced a new ceasefire after days of violent clashes, but Israel has continued its airstrikes after intervening.

Israel said it "struck the entrance of the Syrian regime's military headquarters" and warns of more "painful blows".

Syria's Druze have reached a ceasefire agreement with the Syrian government in Sweida that will take immediate effect, Druze religious leader Sheikh Yousef Jarbou said in a video broadcast by state media on Wednesday.

A fragile ceasefire signed by Damascus and Suwayda leaders appeared to hold, as Syria's president vowed accountability for those behind violence against the Druze community.

The Druze faith has deep connection to Greek philosophy, especially Pythagorean and Platonic thought, and its belief in reincarnation.

DAMASCUS: Syria announced that its army had begun to withdraw from violence-hit Sweida on Wednesday (Jul 16), following a wave of Israeli strikes on the capital and a United States call for