UN Security Council extended mandate of UN Disengagement of Forces agreement in Golan Heights

United Nation Security Council (UNSC) on 18 December 2014 extended the mandate of the UN Disengagement of Forces agreement (UNDOF) in Golan Heights until 30 June 2015.

It extended the mandate so that UNDOF personnel are able to carry out unimpeded delivery of its equipment and the temporary use of alternative ports of entry and departure.

The UNSC while extending the mandate called on both Israel and Syria to scrupulously abide by the terms of the disengagement accord to prevent any breaches of the ceasefire.

Main highlights of the UNSC decision

• The Council reaffirmed to put sanction on groups providing financing and arms support to Al-Nusra Front or to Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant and the Levant (ISIL).
• It condemned Syrian rebel groups’ use of improvised explosive devices in the UNDOF area of operation.
• It underscored that there should be no military activity of the armed opposition groups in the area of separation and urged Member States to convey this message to Syrian armed groups.
• It also recognized the necessity to adjust UNDOF’s posture on a temporary basis to minimize security risk to UN personnel while continuing to implement its mandate.
• It also requested Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to continue to report every 90 days on developments in the area and measures taken to implement relevant resolutions.

Comment

The mandate was extended following a recent fighting in the area and amid the reports that region is likely to remain tense due to ongoing conflict in Syria spilling over to neighbouring nations.

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon in its latest report covering September to November 2014 period warned that the military activities in the area of separation have the potential to escalate tensions between Israel and Syria.

The report further said that this would jeopardise the ceasefire between the two countries and poses a risk to local civilians as well as UN personnel on the ground.

About UN Disengagement of Forces agreement (UNDOF)

UNDOF was established by the UNSC to monitor the ceasefire between Syria and Israel after their 1973 war. Since then, UNDOF has remained in the area to maintain the ceasefire and to supervise the implementation of the disengagement agreement.

As of 31 July 2014 there are 1223 peacekeepers from six countries serving in UNDOF. The countries namely are Fiji, India, Ireland, Nepal, Netherlands, and the Philippines.