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At least 594 people have been killed in violent clashes between Druze and Bedouin communities in Syria’s Suweida province, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. The fighting, which turned sectarian, included alleged executions and heavy civilian casualties, according to BBC.

Among the dead are 300 Druze, including civilians and fighters, and over 250 government personnel. Israeli airstrikes, reportedly aimed at protecting the Druze, also killed several government troops and struck key sites in Damascus.

The Syrian government declared a ceasefire and withdrew forces, but Druze leader Sheikh Hikmat al-Hajri rejected it, vowing continued resistance. Israel has pledged to prevent further Syrian military presence in the south.

Syria’s interim president condemned the Israeli strikes, warning of attempts to destabilize the country, and pledged to safeguard the rights of all communities, BBC reported.

US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee made a rare appearance at Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s corruption trial, calling it “an act of friendship.” He accused the judge of bias and compared Netanyahu’s legal troubles to those of President Donald Trump.

Netanyahu is on trial for bribery, fraud, and breach of trust, as Israel continues to fight in Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran. Trump had earlier called for the trial to be cancelled, calling it a “witch hunt” and demanding a pardon for the Israeli leader. Huckabee echoed Trump’s stance, defending the move as support, not interference, according to Firstpost.

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte has called on India, China, and Brazil to pressure Russian President Vladimir Putin towards peace, warning that continued economic ties with Moscow could “slam back” on them.

His remarks come as India faces criticism for ramping up imports of discounted Russian oil since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. However, European and NATO countries remain major buyers of Russian energy, Firstpost reported.

The EU leads in liquefied and pipeline gas imports, while NATO member Turkey is the top importer of Russian oil products—highlighting a double standard in Western criticism.

Brazil has formally protested the US decision to impose 50 percent tariffs on all Brazilian exports from August 1, calling the move harmful to both economies and a threat to long-standing bilateral ties, according to Xinhua.

In a letter to US officials, Vice President Geraldo Alckmin and Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira expressed “indignation” over the decision, announced by US President Trump on July 9.

A Quaest poll shows 72 percent of Brazilians oppose the tariffs, with most fearing economic fallout. Over half back Brazilian President Lula da Silva’s call for reciprocal measures, as his approval rating sees a slight boost, Xinhua reported.

Meanwhile, the US has launched a probe into Brazil’s digital trade practices, claiming they disadvantage American businesses.