Al Mayadeen English

  • Ar
  • Es
  • x
Al Mayadeen English

Slogan

  • News
    • Politics
    • Economy
    • Sports
    • Arts&Culture
    • Health
    • Miscellaneous
    • Technology
    • Environment
  • Articles
    • Opinion
    • Analysis
    • Blog
    • Features
  • Videos
    • NewsFeed
    • Video Features
    • Explainers
    • TV
    • Digital Series
  • Infographs
  • In Pictures
  • • LIVE
News
  • Politics
  • Economy
  • Sports
  • Arts&Culture
  • Health
  • Miscellaneous
  • Technology
  • Environment
Articles
  • Opinion
  • Analysis
  • Blog
  • Features
Videos
  • NewsFeed
  • Video Features
  • Explainers
  • TV
  • Digital Series
Infographs
In Pictures
  • Africa
  • Asia
  • Asia-Pacific
  • Europe
  • Latin America
  • MENA
  • Palestine
  • US & Canada
BREAKING
Al Mayadeen's correspondent: An Israeli drone launched three missiles on the Baalbek-Rayak international road in eastern Lebanon
Salam: The army has been tasked with developing a plan for "state weapons monopoly" by the end of this year and presenting it to the ministerial council before the 31st of this month
Salam: Discussion of the US document paper will be pursued in a government session next Thursday
Salam: We affirm Lebanon's right to self-defense in the event of any aggression.
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, in a statement after the government session that discussed the "state weapons monopoly" clause: Based on the ministerial statement, the Lebanese state is committed to implementing international resolution 1701
Sheikh Qassem: Lebanon is a country where sacrifices and blood have been made, and we will discuss any matter related to it in Lebanon; no one think of imposing any diktats on us
Sheikh Qassem: We must beware of the advocates of sedition whose hands are stained with blood and who serve the Israeli project
Sheikh Qassem: We are a fundamental component of Lebanon, so how the resistance is approached must be reconsidered
Sheikh Qassem: The Resistance is part of the Taif Constitution, stipulated therein, thus a constitutional matter cannot be discussed by voting, rather, it requires consensus
Sheikh Qassem: The state must develop plans to confront pressure and protect security and sovereignty, not strip its citizens of their capabilities and losing its points of strength

UN peacekeeping chief urges IOF pullout from Golan demilitarized zone

  • By Al Mayadeen English
  • Source: Agencies
  • 1 Feb 2025 21:43
  • 1 Shares
4 Min Read

UN peacekeeping chief Jean-Pierre emphasizes that Israeli forces’ presence there "has made it difficult and challenging for them (UNDOF) to implement their mandated activities."

Listen
  • x
  • UN peacekeeping chief urges IOF pullout from Golan demilitarized zone
    Israeli soldiers stand on an armored vehicle before crossing the security fence, moving toward the so-called Alpha Line that separates the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights from Syria, in the town of Majdal Shams, Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024 (AP)

The Israeli military’s presence in the demilitarized zone of the Golan Heights is complicating the mission of the UN Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF), affirmed UN peacekeeping chief Jean-Pierre Lacroix on Friday, calling for its withdrawal.

Speaking at a news conference, Lacroix underscored that only UNDOF should operate within the area of separation, emphasizing that Israeli forces’ presence there "has made it difficult and challenging for them (UNDOF) to implement their mandated activities."

Referring to his visits to both Syria and "Israel", Lacroix noted positive discussions with the newly established Syrian government. Regarding his meetings with Israeli officials in occupied al-Quds, he stated, "We have regular interaction with them on a number of issues."

He said he reiterated his concern about the presence of the Israeli military in the area of separation, saying, "It’s clearly a violation of the 1974 agreement between Israel and Syria," he added.

Lacroix also relayed complaints from local residents in the area, stressing the need to address their concerns and ensure their safety, security, and well-being.

"What I can say is that Israel has been indicating that this is a temporary presence (at the Golan Heights). Obviously, the sooner that presence, which is a violation, ends, the better," he pointed out.

Syrian ministers discuss Israeli presence in south with UN delegation

The state-run Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) reported on Wednesday that Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani and Defense Minister Major General Murhaf Abu Qasra met with a UN delegation, addressing the issue of the illegal Israeli presence in southern Syria.

The UN delegation was led by Lacroix, Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, and Major General Patrick Gouesla, Acting Head of Mission and Force Commander of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF), SANA mentioned. 

During the meeting, it was emphasized that Syria is fully prepared to cooperate with the United Nations and assert its positions along the borders in accordance with the 1974 mandate, provided that there is an immediate Israeli withdrawal.  

Related News

Syria: Sweida death toll reaches 1,531 amid renewed ceasefire breaches

Clashes erupt in Deir Hafer between SDF, Syrian army factions

For its part, UNDOF reaffirmed its full commitment to resolving this issue and restoring stability to the border and the wider region.  

UNDOF also expressed its readiness to support demining operations, ensure the quality of essential services, and coordinate efforts between relevant authorities and organizations working to clear explosives and remnants of war, contributing to a safer Syria.

This comes as Israeli Security Minister Israel Katz said on Tuesday that Israeli forces that seized strategic positions in southern Syria following the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime will remain stationed at the summit of Mount Hermon indefinitely.

During a visit to the Israeli troops in the area, Katz emphasized that "Israel" would not permit what he described as hostile forces to establish a presence in southern Syria.

Mount Hermon, a vast cluster of snowcapped peaks overlooking the Syria-Lebanon border, provides a strategic vantage point over the Damascus countryside and the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights; a Syrian territory "Israel" occupied during the 1967 war.  

"Israel" has stated that its troops have taken up positions within a UN-monitored demilitarized zone inside Syria, with some units advancing beyond it.

Israeli officials have previously claimed these deployments were limited and part of temporary measures to safeguard Israeli security.

However, "Israel’s" military presence in Syrian territory has drawn criticism from multiple countries and the United Nations, which has called for the withdrawal of Israeli forces, citing violations of international agreements.

In December 2024, Israeli occupation Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the occupied Syrian Golan Heights were Israeli "for eternity".

Netanyahu has also instructed the military to prepare to remain in the Syrian Mount Hermon area and the UN-patrolled buffer zone until at least the end of 2025.

The premier emphasized that Israeli forces would remain stationed there "until another solution ensuring Israel's security is found."

Read more:  'Syrian Resistance' claims responsibility for firing at IOF troops

  • Syria
  • Occupied Syrian Golan
  • Israeli aggression
  • Golan Heights
  • Israel
  • United Nations
  • Israeli occupation
  • Golan

Most Read

An Israeli tank explodes following an ambush by al-Qassam Brigades in Gaza, Occupied Palestine, undated (Al-Qassam Military Media)

Al-Qassam strikes Israeli vehicles in Gaza, inflicts casualties

  • Politics
  • 30 Jul 2025
UAE lodges complaint against Israeli ambassador over 'misbehavior'

UAE lodges complaint against Israeli ambassador over 'misbehavior'

  • Politics
  • 1 Aug 2025
Protesters chant anti-Israeli slogans as they carry a banner that reads:" Freedom for Palestine, Alliance stop the war," during a demonstration in support of Palestinians in Gaza, outside the Israeli embassy, in Athens, Monday, June 9, 2025 (AP)

Athens mayor slams Israeli ambassador over Gaza war, graffiti claim

  • Politics
  • 3 Aug 2025
An explosion seen during an Iranian missile attack on Tel Aviv, Occupied Palestine, June 13, 2025 (AP)

If Iran is attacked again, geography of response may change: IRGC spox

  • Politics
  • 30 Jul 2025

Coverage

All
The Ummah's Martyrs

Read Next

All
Israeli soldiers drive on their armored personnel carrier back from inside the northern Gaza Strip, Tuesday, July 29, 2025. (AP)
Politics

Full occupation of Gaza on the table despite military's opposition

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks to the audience at a conference in occupied al-Quds, occupied Palestine, Sunday, July 27, 2025 (AP)
Politics

Netanyahu blamed for sabotaging Gaza captives deal, say their families

A mine operated by Serra Verde Mining in Minacu, Goias state, Brazil, Monday, July 28, 2025 (AP)
Politics

China’s mineral export ban disrupts US defense supply chain

ap
Politics

Aid allowed by 'Israel' covers only 14% of Gaza's needs: Media Office

Al Mayadeen English

Al Mayadeen is an Arab Independent Media Satellite Channel.

All Rights Reserved

  • x
  • Privacy Policy
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Authors
Android
iOS