DAMASCUS, July 17 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations refugee agency and the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) have raised alarm over the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Syria's southern Sweida province following days of intense violence and Israeli airstrikes, warning that the fragile ceasefire may not be enough to stabilize the region.

The UNHCR said that the situation in Sweida deteriorated rapidly after violence erupted on Sunday involving local armed groups and tribal fighters. Armed clashes, shelling, and attacks on civilian infrastructure -- including hospitals and humanitarian facilities -- forced over 25,000 people to flee, with displacement estimates possibly rising to 60,000.

According to an update by UNHCR released Wednesday evening, many of the displaced -- mostly women, children, and the elderly -- fled to Sweida city or sought shelter in nearby towns. Seven collective shelters were established, but conditions remain dire amid widespread electricity cuts and damage to health infrastructure. Armed elements reportedly attacked Sweida National Hospital on Tuesday, injuring civilians and medical staff and reportedly killing one medical doctor.

The crisis escalated further when Israeli warplanes launched airstrikes on Monday and Wednesday, targeting Syrian military sites in Sweida and Damascus. The Israeli military said the strikes were intended to deter "aggression" against the Druze population and prevent a military buildup near its border. Several civilians were reportedly killed or injured, and widespread damage occurred, including the defense authority compound and areas near the presidential palace in Damascus.

Federico Jachetti, the NRC's Syria country director, said in a statement Thursday that at least 1,200 families had fled their homes and were now living with relatives or in rural areas, while hospitals were overwhelmed and essential services had been disrupted.

UNHCR, the only UN agency with a full operational presence in Sweida, called on all parties to uphold international humanitarian and human rights law, protect civilians, and ensure unimpeded humanitarian access. "It is vital that humanitarian actors are allowed to deliver life-saving aid and protection services without delay or obstruction," the agency said.

Although a ceasefire agreement was reached between the Syrian government and Druze spiritual leaders on Tuesday, both UNHCR and NRC warned that the situation remains volatile and unpredictable. ■