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

A new wave of deadly sectarian violence in southern Syria has drawn renewed attention to the Druze minority as well as escalating tensions between Syria and Israel.This week, at least 30 people were killed and dozens injured during clashes between Druze militias and Bedouin tribal fighters in Suwayda,

Syria's interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa said on Thursday that protecting the Druze citizens and their rights is "our priority", as Israel vowed to destroy Syrian government forces attacking Druze in southern Syria.

The Israeli Druze leadership announced a one-day labor strike on Wednesday and called on all Israeli Druze to go to the border and cross it in order to assist their Syrian brethren in Suwayda.

Vegetable seller Fadlallah Dawara was on his way home on Sunday night when his truck was hijacked by a group of armed men. Mr Dawara was pulled out of his car, beaten, and abandoned – blindfolded – on the side of the road. Attackers confiscated seven million Syrian pounds (about £400), his phone and absconded with his truck, vegetables and all.

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

Druze leaders in Lebanon are voicing their growing concerns over the deadly violence unfolding in Suwayda while members of the community are trying to cross the border into Syria.

The Druze are a prominent religious community of more than a million people spread across Syria, Lebanon and Israel, who for centuries have sought to preserve a distinct identity.

Israeli military responds to protect Syrian Druze from Islamist militants as local Druze citizens cross the border to aid their brethren, prompting concerns from Israeli officials.