One of the United Nations’ longest-standing peacekeeping operations is the United Nations Military Decommissioning Observer Force, better known by its acronym UNDOF. It began more than half a century ago when the Middle East crisis erupted in 1973.
A military disengagement agreement between Israeli and Syrian forces came into effect, setting a separation zone for two equal zones of limited forces and weapons on both sides of the territory. UNDOF was established to monitor the implementation of this agreement.
For your information:
Peacekeeping to end crises
Shortly after the Israel–Egypt War of 1973, the situation in the Israel–Syria border area became increasingly unstable in March 1974 and the conflict intensified.
UNDOF was established in late May 1974, and by 3 June, the UN Secretary-General appointed an interim commander of the UN peacekeeping mission, who arrived in the Syrian capital, Damascus, the same day.
UNDOF still operates with the same mandate today.
What does UNDOF do?
UNDOF’s mandate has not changed significantly since 1974:
• Maintaining a ceasefire between Israel and Syria.
• Monitoring the disengagement of Israeli and Syrian forces.
• Monitoring military isolation and border areas in accordance with the provisions of the May 1974 Isolation Agreement.
The Security Council reviews and advances UNDOF’s mandate every six months. UNDOF’s current mandate is set to expire on 30 June 2025
UNDOF has two base camps. Its headquarters, located at the FOR, maintains basic services and this UN peacekeeping force conducts round-the-clock patrols. This peacekeeping force intervenes whenever a military personnel enters or attempts to operate in the disengagement zone.
UNDOF also clears landmines and explosive remnants of war. UNDOF has launched a security and maintenance program in the area of disengagement to detect and identify landmines.
UNDOF is one of three United Nations peacekeeping missions deployed in the region, tasked with monitoring ceasefires and peace agreements. The other two are the United Nations Treaty Supervision Organization (UNTSO), which was established in 1948. Apart from these, the United Nations Interim Force (UNIFIL) has also been deployed in Lebanon since 1978.
What is a military separation zone?
The Military Separation Zone is a demilitarized zone and is about 80 km long, from 10 km in the center to less than a km in the south, with a mountainous terrain dominated by Mount Harmon in the north.
It is the highest-ranking, permanently deployed mission of the United Nations. It is located at an altitude of 2,814 meters, with frequent snowfall and patrolled by peacekeepers with special winter equipment.
The area is populated and historically controlled by Syrian authorities. Except for UNDOF, no other military forces are allowed to operate inside the area.
UNDOF monitors these sanctions through fortnightly visits to Israeli Armed Forces (IDF) and Syrian Security Forces military bases. This observation is carried out by a group called the Observer Group Golan, which includes military observers from the UNTSC.
Latest deployment map of UNDOF deployment area here see
The main challenge of the current Middle East crisis
UNDOF has documented ceasefire violations over the past few years and has worked with Israeli and Syrian authorities to resolve them.
In the Golan, a missile killed 12, raising tensions during the 15-month war in Gaza. Recently, tensions have increased in the military isolated area as the Israeli military forces (IDF) have advanced further into the area. At the same time, in early December (2024), Syria’s new de facto authorities took power, removing President Bashar al-Assad from power.
UNDOF peacekeepers, supported by UNTSO observers, will remain there until December 2024 and will continue to carry out important tasks such as monitoring and patrolling the ceasefire line, said Major General Patrick Gauchat, interim head of UNDOF. He said this in a presentation to the Security Council in mid-January (2025).
Residents of the Golan have also expressed concern to UNDOF, calling on Israeli forces to withdraw from their villages amid reports of searches and arrests of their relatives.
The IDF presence and roadblocks also severely affected UNDOF’s performance, curtailing its daily vehicle convoys and affecting its freedom of movement.
Adjustment to the new reality
UNDOF has adjusted its approach in the face of these ongoing operational challenges.
The UN peacekeeping mission increased the number of weekly patrols from 10 to 40, and addressed immediate security concerns such as disposing of unused weapons in public areas.
Meanwhile, Acting Mission Chief Major General Patrick Gauchat said efforts are underway to establish stable communication channels with the real authorities.
But concerns remain.
On January 17, Major General Patrick Gauchet told the Security Council that “it is essential that UN peacekeepers be allowed to carry out their mandate without hindrance.”
He called on all parties to maintain the ceasefire and respect the terms of the 1974 agreement. “We rely on the continued support of member states to fully implement the mandate.”
Can UNDOF use force?
yes UNDOF peacekeepers have the ability to use force in self-defense or to protect UN personnel, bases and equipment.
UNDOF operates under Chapter VI of the UN Charter, which focuses on monitoring, monitoring and facilitating the implementation of peace agreements.
More information about UNDOF can be found here.