UN extends peacekeeping mission between Syria, Israeli-occupied Golan Heights

By Michelle Nichols

The United Nations Security Council on Friday extended a long-running peacekeeping mission between Syria and the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights for six months and expressed concern that military activities in the area could escalate tensions.

Since a lightning rebel offensive ousted Syrian President Bashar al-Assad earlier this month, Israeli troops have moved into the demilitarised zone - created after the 1973 Arab-Israeli war - that is patrolled by the U.N. Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF).

Israeli officials have described the move as a limited and temporary measure to ensure the security of Israel's borders but have given no indication of when the troops might be withdrawn.

In the resolution adopted on Friday, the Security Council stressed "that both parties must abide by the terms of the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement between Israel and the Syrian Arab Republic and scrupulously observe the ceasefire."

It expressed concern that "the ongoing military activities conducted by any actor in the area of separation continue to have the potential to escalate tensions between Israel and the Syrian Arab Republic, jeopardize the ceasefire between the two countries, and pose a risk to the local civilian population and United Nations personnel on the ground."

Armed forces from Israel and Syria are not allowed in the demilitarized zone - a 400-square-km (155-square-mile) "Area of Separation" - under the ceasefire arrangement.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on Thursday: "Let me be clear: There should be no military forces in the area of separation other than U.N. peacekeepers – period." He also said Israeli airstrikes on Syria were violations of the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity and "must stop."