Several Syrian factions have agreed on Cairo to a ceasefire in southern Damascus as part of an Egyptian-Russian initiative, Al-Ahram Arabic website reported on Thursday

The ceasefire was reached between Geish Al-Islam, Geish Ababil and Aknaf Beit Al-Maqdis militant organisations.

Following a meeting between the Syrian factions, Mohamed Aloush, the head of Geish Al-Islam’s political office, thanked Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi and Egypt for its role during the negotiations and for encouraging a political solution to the crisis in the country. 

The agreement stipulates the opening of the crossings controlled by militants in the area, to allow residents to pass through, and an end to the forced displacement of residents. It also specified that any militant faction willing to join the agreement would have an opportunity to do so. 

Aloush added that Egypt had insisted that the siege of eastern Ghouta region be broken and that sufficient aid to alleviate the suffering of residents in the region be part of the agreement. 

He said that Egypt and Russia had called for stopping escalation in Eastern Ghouta and Al-Qadam districts in southern Damascus, stressing that a deal was reached to declare a ceasefire and decrease escalation in these areas.

Aloush also thanked the Egyptian state for hosting hundreds of thousands of Syrians who have fled destruction in their homeland.