UNDOF: A Pillar of Peacekeeping in the Middle East
The United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) is one of the longest-standing peacekeeping missions of the United Nations. Established over half a century ago, in response to the 1973 Middle East crisis, UNDOF has played a crucial role in maintaining peace and stability in the region.
The roots of UNDOF can be traced back to the Agreement on Disengagement between Israeli and Syrian forces, which was concluded in the aftermath of the 1973 Israeli-Egyptian war. This agreement provided for an area of separation and two equal zones of limited forces and armaments on both sides of the area. UNDOF was tasked with supervising the implementation of this agreement, with the aim of preventing further clashes and promoting peace between Israel and Syria.
In March 1974, as tensions escalated in the Israel-Syria sector, UNDOF was established to address the growing instability in the region. By late May 1974, the Secretary-General had appointed an interim commander of UNDOF, who promptly arrived in Damascus, the capital of Syria. Since its inception, UNDOF has operated with the same mandate, focusing on maintaining the ceasefire between Israel and Syria, supervising the disengagement of forces, and overseeing the areas of separation and limitation as outlined in the 1974 Agreement.
Despite the passage of time, UNDOF’s mission remains as relevant today as it was in 1974. Every six months, the Security Council reviews and extends the force’s mandate, which is currently set to expire on June 30, 2025. UNDOF operates from two base camps, with its headquarters at Camp Faouar handling logistics and coordinating patrols. The force conducts patrols around the clock, intervening whenever military personnel attempt to enter or operate in the area of separation.
In addition to maintaining peace and security, UNDOF also addresses mine and explosive remnants of war clearance, ensuring the safety of civilians and peacekeepers in the region. The force has implemented a security and maintenance program in the area of separation to identify and mark all minefields, reducing the risk of accidents and casualties.
UNDOF is just one of three UN peacekeeping missions in the Middle East, alongside the UN Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO) and the UN Interim Forces in Lebanon (UNIFIL). Together, these missions play a vital role in monitoring ceasefires and peace agreements, promoting stability and security in the region.
The area of separation, where UNDOF operates, is a demilitarized zone stretching approximately 80 kilometers long. The width of the zone varies, ranging from 10 kilometers in the center to less than one kilometer in the extreme south. The terrain is hilly, dominated by Mount Hermon in the north, with the highest permanently staffed UN position located at an altitude of 2,814 meters.
Despite the challenges posed by the harsh winter weather, peacekeepers stationed in the area conduct patrols throughout the year, equipped with specialized winter gear to navigate the snowy terrain. The area of separation is inhabited and historically policed by Syrian authorities, with no military forces other than UNDOF permitted to operate within its boundaries.
In conclusion, UNDOF stands as a pillar of peacekeeping in the Middle East, upholding the principles of the United Nations and working tirelessly to maintain peace and security in a volatile region. As the mission continues to evolve and adapt to new challenges, the dedication and commitment of UNDOF peacekeepers remain unwavering, serving as a beacon of hope in a troubled world.
