UNSC extends UNDOF mandate in Golan Heights for another 6 months

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
21 Dec 2024 01:42

The UN Security Council unanimously extends the mandate of the UN Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) in the Golan Heights until June 2025, amid the Israeli occupation's expansionist aggression.

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A UN post overlooks along the so-called Alpha Line that separates the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights from Syria, in the town of Majdal Shams, Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024. (AP)

On Friday, the UN Security Council unanimously extended the mandate of the UN Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) in the Golan Heights for six months, until June 30, 2025. The resolution, co-sponsored by Russia and the United States, was supported by all 15 Council members.

The resolution emphasized the need for "Israel" and Syria to fully comply with the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement to maintain ceasefire and stability in the region. It also stressed that military activity in the separation zone should be limited to UNDOF personnel.

Expressing concern over ongoing tensions in the Middle East, the resolution called for restraint from all parties and full cooperation with UNDOF to prevent escalation. It highlighted the importance of addressing risks to peacekeepers, such as unexploded ordnance and ensuring adequate resources and security measures. Additionally, the resolution urged UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to report every 90 days on the resolution’s implementation and the regional situation.

'Israel' has no intention to retreat after newly-occupied Syrian territories

Israeli media reported on Friday that the Israeli military is preparing for an extended presence in Syria.

According to Walla, "Despite pressure from European parties on Israel, political leaders have instructed the Israeli army to brace for a prolonged stay in Syrian territory."

The report also noted that no intelligence agency had predicted the rapid collapse of the former Syrian regime's army, and as a result, the Israeli military is now establishing a more significant presence in the region.

Two days ago, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu 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, Israeli Army Radio reported.

Moreover, Israeli Security Minister Israel Katz said that Netanyahu conducted a security briefing on Tuesday atop the strategic Syrian Mount Hermon of the Golan Heights, which "Israel" occupied earlier this month.