Syria faces an Arab League deadline Friday to sign an agreement allowing observers into the country or incur sanctions over its crackdown on protests, while a Syrian opposition group has said the violence on the ground claimed at least another 47 lives.

The British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights group said most of the deaths occurred in the flashpoint province of Homs, and that the victims included members of Syria's security forces, army deserters and civilians.

League representatives are due to meet again on Saturday to discuss the sanctions if Damascus refuses to comply with their demand.

The Arab League suspended Syria's membership two weeks ago, angered that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad failed to fulfill a pledge to bring an end to the violence and pull Syrian forces out of major cities.

French Foreign Minister Alain Juppe has suggested that the international community create what he called “humanitarian corridors” in Syria, to help bring medicine and other supplies to civilians in need.

Juppe said he would seek Arab League support for the measure and also discuss it with the United States and international partners at the United Nations.

The United Nations says at least 3,500 people have been killed in connection with the Syrian revolt since March. Syria blames much of the violence on foreign-backed terrorists and religious extremists.

Israel's Vice Prime Minister Moshe Yaalon said Thursday the situation in Syria is “irreversible,” adding that Mr. Assad seems to be approaching his end as Syria's leader.