UN Security Council extends UNDOF mission in Syria’s Golan for 6 months
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – The UN Security Council unanimously renewed on Monday the mandate of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) in the Golan Heights for six months, extending it until June 30, 2026.
Adopting Resolution 2811 (2025), the Council requested the UN Secretary-General to ensure that UNDOF has the necessary capacity and resources to carry out its mandate safely and securely.
The Council stressed the obligation of both parties to fully respect the 1974 Agreement, calling for maximum restraint and the prevention of any ceasefire violations.
The resolution, jointly drafted by the United States and Russia, also encouraged Israel and Syria to make full use of UNDOF’s liaison role.
While the resolution was adopted unanimously, concerns were raised by several members. Somalia’s representative voiced disappointment over the six-month renewal, arguing that a shorter mandate creates uncertainty in an increasingly volatile security environment.
Russia’s delegate warned of ongoing violations of the agreement, citing the continued presence of Israeli forces in the buffer zone and advances deeper into Syrian territory, as well as strikes targeting Syrian sovereignty.
China reiterated that the Golan Heights are internationally recognized as occupied Syrian territory and called for full respect of Syria’s territorial integrity.
Syria’s representative underscored that Israel has occupied the Syrian Golan for 59 years, noting to a recent UN General Assembly vote in which 123 countries supported a resolution demanding Israel’s withdrawal.
He said Damascus seeks to allow UNDOF to operate freely and called on Israel to comply with international law and UN resolutions.
UNDOF was established in 1974 following the Disengagement of Forces Agreement between Israel and Syria. Its mandate includes maintaining the ceasefire, supervising the demilitarized buffer zone known as the area of separation, and monitoring the area of limitation, where the presence of troops and military equipment is restricted.