One of the UN’s longest-standing peacekeeping missions – the UN Disengagement Observer Force, known by its acronym UNDOF – began over fifty years ago amidst the 1973 Middle East crisis.
The Agreement on Disengagement between Israeli and Syrian forces was established, outlining an area of separation and two limited zones for forces and armaments on both sides, which UNDOF was tasked with supervising.
Here’s what you need to know:
Forging peace to end a crisis
Following the 1973 Israeli-Egyptian conflict, tensions in the Israel-Syria sector escalated in March 1974, leading to the establishment of UNDOF in late May of that year. By 3 June, an interim commander was appointed, arriving in Damascus on the same day.
The mission continues today with the same mandate.
What does UNDOF do?
UNDOF’s mandate, unchanged since 1974, includes:
- Maintaining the ceasefire between Israel and Syria
- Supervising the disengagement of forces
- Monitoring the agreed areas of separation and limitation, as per the May 1974 Agreement on Disengagement.
Every six months, the Security Council reviews and extends the mandate, currently set to expire on 30 June 2025.
UNDOF operates from two base camps, with logistics at Camp Faouar and patrols around the clock to discourage military personnel from entering or operating in the separation area.
The force also handles mine and explosive remnant clearance and oversees security and maintenance programmes to identify and secure all minefields within the separation area.
UNDOF, along with UN Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO) and UN Interim Forces in Lebanon (UNIFIL), are the three peacekeeping missions in the region monitoring ceasefires and peace agreements.
UN Photo/Yutaka Nagata
Members of the UNDOF Austrian Battalion Ski Patrol on Mount Hermon in 1975. (file)
What’s the area of separation?
The separation area spans about 80 km, narrowing down to less than one km in the south and dominated by Mount Hermon in the north, as a demilitarized zone.
At an altitude of 2,814 meters, UN’s highest position patrols the area where only UNDOF is permitted, with limitations on military forces and equipment on both sides.
UNDOF ensures compliance through inspections of Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and Syrian military positions by Observer Group Golan, comprised of UNTSO military observers.
Check out UNDOF’s latest deployment map here.
UN Photo/Yutaka Nagata
UNDOF officers patrol the Golan Heights in 1974. (file)
Main challenges in the current Middle East crisis
Throughout the years, UNDOF has reported ceasefire violations and collaborated with Israeli and Syrian authorities to address them.
Recent tensions were witnessed in the Golan with a missile attack during the Gaza war, leading to increased IDF presence and restrictions in the separation area.
UNDOF peacekeepers continue their duties under intensified circumstances, monitoring ceasefire lines as per an update by Major General Patrick Gauchat to the Security Council in January.
Amidst concerns from Golan residents, UNDOF strives to balance operational challenges while ensuring safety and compliance with the 1974 agreement.
UN Photo/Gernot Maier
An UNDOF observation post in the Golan Heights, Syria. (file)
Adapting to new realities
UNDOF has adjusted its operations to respond to ongoing challenges, increasing patrols, and addressing safety concerns promptly.
Efforts are underway to establish communication channels with the new local authorities, emphasizing the importance of unhindered peacekeeping operations.
Mr. Gauchat, acting mission chief, reiterated the need for support from all parties in adhering to ceasefire terms and respecting the peace agreement.
Can UNDOF use force?
Yes, UNDOF peacekeepers are authorized to use force in self-defence or to protect UN personnel, facilities, and equipment.
Operating under Chapter VI of the UN Charter, UNDOF focuses on observation, monitoring, and facilitating peace agreement implementations.
