UN extends “UNDOF” mission in Golan to Mid-2026

Yesterday evening, the UN Security Council unanimously approved the extension of the mandate of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) in the occupied Syrian Golan Heights until June 2026. The resolution was based on a joint draft submitted by the United States and Russia.

The resolution, adopted by the 15-member Council, stressed the need for all parties to adhere to the 1974 Disengagement Agreement, calling for freedom of movement for the UN force and enabling it to carry out its duties without obstruction, and urging the cessation of any activities that might endanger peacekeeping personnel.

The extension comes amid rapid developments in southern Syria, particularly following Israel’s declaration after the fall of the Assad regime in December 2024 that the separation-of-forces agreement had collapsed, followed by occupation of the buffer zone and repeated incursions, including arrests, checkpoints, and inspections of civilians.

UNDOF is the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force, established in 1974 by a UN Security Council resolution following the signing of the separation-of-forces agreement between Syria and Israel. Its mission is to monitor adherence to the ceasefire, supervise the buffer zone in the occupied Golan, and ensure that no military clashes occur between the two sides.

ANHA