Security Council extends critical stabilisation force in Syria
Peace and Security
The 15-member Security Council unanimously adopted a draft resolution renewing for six months the mandate of the UN Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) on Thursday.
Resolution 2824 (2026) extends the mandate through 31 December 2026 of UNDOF, one of the UN’s longest-standing peacekeeping missions.
In 1974, the Agreement on Disengagement between Israeli and Syrian forces was concluded, providing for an area of separation and for two equal zones of limited forces and armaments on both sides of the area. UNDOF was established shortly thereafter, by Security Council resolution 350 (1974) to supervise its implementation.
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Here’s everything you need to know about UNDOF:
What does UNDOF do?
UNDOF’s mandate remains unchanged since 1974:
- Maintain the ceasefire between Israel and Syria
- Supervise the Disengagement of forces Agreement and its Protocol with regard to the areas of separation and limitation
- Report through established UN channels and to the UN Security Council on the violations
Every six months, the Security Council reviews and has extended the force’s mandate.
One of three missions in the region
UNDOF’s headquarters is at Camp Faouar. The force operates patrols by day and night.
The force also clears mine and explosive remnants of war for operational purposes and has instituted a security and maintenance programme in the area of separation to identify and mark all minefields.
UNDOF is one of three UN peacekeeping missions in the region, charged with monitoring ceasefires. The other two are the UN Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO), established in 1948, and the UN Interim Forces in Lebanon (UNIFIL), which has been operational since 1978.
Watch our five facts on UNDOF here:
What’s the area of separation?
The area of separation covers about 235 square kilometres – it is approximately 75 km long, varying in width from 10 km in the centre to about 200 metres in the extreme south, with hilly terrain dominated in the north by Mount Hermon.
The highest permanently staffed UN position is at an altitude of 2,814 metres, where weather conditions are often harsh with intense snowfall in winter. Peacekeepers conduct patrols thanks to specialised winter season equipment.
There is also an area of limitation on both sides, where limits are placed on the number and types of military forces and equipment allowed by the parties. There should be no military forces and activities inside the area of separation other than those of UNDOF.
Report on UNDOF
The Secretary-General reports to the Security Council every 90 days, providing an account of the activities of UNDOF. The latest report was issued on 2 June 2026 (S/2026/458). The report notes that there were multiple significant violations of the Agreement on Disengagement and that the overall situation in the UNDOF area of operations remained volatile.
The situation continues to be characterized by the presence and activities of the IDF in the area of separation and beyond, affecting the operations of UNDOF.
Members of communities in the area of separation appeal to UNDOF regarding the presence and activities of the IDF on the Bravo side, stating that the IDF entered and searched their homes at night, causing property damage.