Syrian leader vows to protect Druze citizens

Hello. Syria's interim leader has vowed to protect the country's Druze minority, following days of deadly clashes which prompted Israeli strikes on the capital. From France, correspondent Hugh Schofield assesses whether the prime minister's plan to cut two public holidays a year could solve the country's financial woes. And finally, take a look at an "unbelievably rare" Martian meteorite which has sold for $4.3m (£3.2m) at auction.

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Syria leader vows to protect Druze after sectarian violence prompts Israeli strikes

The Syrian president said government forces had expelled "outlawed groups" in Suweida city. Credit: Reuters

Syria's interim president Ahmed al-Sharaa has said it is his "priority" to protect the country's Druze citizens. More than 350 people are reported to have been killed since clashes between Druze militias and Bedouin tribes erupted in Suweida province on Sunday, with government forces also accused of killings. The military is now said to be withdrawing from Suweida under a ceasefire agreement with Druze leaders. It comes after Israel accused Syrian forces of attacking members of the minority group and launched attacks on the defence ministry and presidential palace in Damascus. Al-Sharaa has accused Israel of "escalating" the situation.

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Could axing two national holidays save France from its mountain of debt?

The French have 11 public holidays a year. Credit: Getty Images

The suggestion by the French prime minister that workers lose two public holidays a year in order to rescue the nation's finances has not gone down well. Yet with every second that passes, France has €5,000 ($5,797, £4,327) more debt. François Bayrou is running a government with no majority, which could fall at any minute, but this position allows him to give the French the "unsugared truth", writes Paris correspondent Hugh Schofield.