Why in the News?

UN Secretary-General paid tribute to Brigadier General Amitabh Jha of India, who died serving with the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) in the Golan Heights.

About United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF)

• The UNDOF is a peacekeeping mission established by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to oversee the implementation of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Syria following the 1973 Yom Kippur War.
  • The Yom Kippur War (October 6-24, 1973) was fought between Egypt and Israel (in the Sinai) and Israel and Syria (in the Golan Heights).
• It operates in the Golan Heights, a region of strategic importance and long-standing contention.
• The UNSC formally established UNDOF under Resolution 350 to:

1. Maintain the ceasefire.
2. Supervise the disengagement of forces.
3. Monitor the separation zones established by the agreement.

• UNDOF became operational on June 6, 1974, with an initial deployment of approximately 1,200 personnel.
• Its mandate is renewed every 6 months by the UNSC, emphasizing its ongoing role in maintaining stability.

Structural Mandate and Functions

UNDOF’s core responsibilities include:

• Ceasefire Maintenance:
  • Monitor and ensure adherence to the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Syria.
• Supervision of Disengagement:
  • Oversee the withdrawal of forces to their respective areas as per the 1974 Agreement on Disengagement.
• Monitoring Areas of Separation and Limitation:
  • Area of Separation (AOS):
    • A demilitarized zone controlled by UNDOF, where no military activity is permitted.
    • Approx. 80 km long, ranging from 200 m to 8 km wide.
    • Marked by barrel lines for identification on the ground.
  • Areas of Limitation:
    • Zones on both Israeli and Syrian sides where the number of troops and types of weapons are restricted.

Functions:

• Observation and Reporting:
  • Monitor troop movements and ensure no violations of the agreement occur.
  • Regularly report to the UN Secretary-General and the UNSC on ground conditions.
• Civilian Assistance: Facilitate the return of Syrian civilians to their homes in the AOS under the agreement.
• Verification of Compliance: Conduct inspections to ensure adherence to restrictions in Areas of Limitation.
• Confidence-Building Measures: Act as a neutral party to reduce tensions between Israel and Syria.
• Liaison Services: Maintain open communication channels between Israeli and Syrian forces to prevent misunderstandings or escalation.

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