UN Pledges to Restore Stability Along Syria-Israel Border
By Kardo Roj
DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) – The United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) reaffirmed its commitment on Wednesday to restoring stability along the Syria-Israel border and ensuring security in the region.
The statement came after a high-level UN delegation met with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shibani and Defense Minister Marhaf Abu Qasra in Damascus. The delegation was led by Jean-Pierre Lacroix, UN Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, and Major General Patrick Gauchat, Acting Head of Mission and Force Commander of UNDOF.
Syria’s Position on Border Security
During the meeting, Syrian officials expressed their willingness to cooperate with the UN under the terms of the 1974 Disengagement Agreement, which established a ceasefire line between Syria and Israel after the Yom Kippur War. However, they conditioned their full cooperation on the immediate withdrawal of Israeli forces from occupied Syrian territories.
“The Syrian government is ready to fully engage with the UN and its peacekeeping forces, provided that Israeli troops withdraw immediately from all occupied Syrian lands,” the state-run SANA news agency reported.
Israel’s Military Presence and UN’s Role
On Tuesday, the Israeli Ministry of Defense stated that its military presence in the security zone of southern Syria would continue for an “indefinite period.” Israeli forces have maintained a security buffer in parts of the Golan Heights and southern Syria, citing concerns over Iranian-backed militias operating near its borders.
The UN delegation emphasized the importance of maintaining stability in the region and pledged to support efforts to de-escalate tensions. “We are committed to fulfilling our mandate to monitor the ceasefire and ensure the stability of the disengagement zone,” UN official Jean-Pierre Lacroix said.
Demining and Humanitarian Assistance
As part of its mission, the UN also committed to assisting Syria in landmine clearance operations and improving humanitarian services in border areas. Explosive remnants from past conflicts continue to pose a significant threat to civilians in southern Syria.
Background: The 1974 Disengagement Agreement
The 1974 Disengagement Agreement between Syria and Israel, brokered by the UN, established a demilitarized buffer zone monitored by UNDOF. Despite periodic clashes and Israeli airstrikes targeting Iranian-backed groups, the agreement has largely prevented full-scale confrontations between the two countries.
However, in recent years, heightened Israeli air raids on Syrian territory and reports of Iranian military entrenchment in the region have escalated tensions. The latest UN efforts aim to prevent further deterioration and maintain the fragile ceasefire.
What Comes Next?
While Syria has signaled a willingness to cooperate with the UN, the demand for an Israeli withdrawal remains a key sticking point. UN officials are expected to continue diplomatic engagements with both Damascus and Tel Aviv in an attempt to defuse tensions and reinforce the disengagement agreement.