The United Nations Security Council voted unanimously on Friday (December 20) to extend the mandate of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) for six months, continuing its peacekeeping mission in the area separating Syria and the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights.
The resolution emphasized that military forces or equipment in the demilitarized zone, created under the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement, violate international law. Algeria’s U.N. Ambassador, Amar Bendjama, stated that the presence of Israeli troops in the zone was a "flagrant violation" of the agreement.
Israel recently deployed forces into the demilitarized zone following the ousting of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad by rebel forces earlier this month. Israeli officials described the move as a temporary security measure, though no timeline for withdrawal has been provided.
The Security Council expressed concern over escalating tensions and urged all parties to observe the ceasefire. It warned that military activities in the area risk jeopardizing peace, endangering local civilians and UN personnel.
UNDOF, established in 1974, monitors the 400-square-km (155-square-mile) demilitarized zone, ensuring compliance with the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Syria.
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