Ban Ki Moon asked UNSC to enhance UNDOF Strength in Golan

Ban Ki Moon, the UN Secretary General has asked the UN Security Council (UNSC) to enhance the strength of UN Disengagement Forces (UNDOF) from 900 to its authorized strength of 1250 to maintain the peace along Syria-Israel borders in the Golan Heights. Ban Ki Moon also warned that the tensions in the Golan Heights can due to violation of Syria-Israel ceasefire may escalate.

170 Fijian troops will also be deployed by the end of the months with a promise from Philippines for doubling its strength. He also announced that the UN Security Council may take a call to renew the UNDOF Mandate.  

UNDOF and its role in Golan Heights
The United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) was established by Security Council resolution 350 (1974) of 31 May 1974 to:

• Maintain the ceasefire between Israel and Syria
• Supervise the disengagement of Israeli and Syrian forces
• Supervise the areas of separation and limitation, as provided in the May 1974 Agreement on Disengagement.

UNDOF has been responsible for peace management in the Golan Heights since 1974 after Israel annexed the area from Syria. The UNDOF comprises UN peacekeepers from Austria, India, Croatia, Japan and Philippines.