The UN Security Council on Monday unanimously adopted a resolution to extend the mandate of the UN peacekeeping force in the Golan Heights for six months, until June 30, 2026.
Resolution 2811 regarding the UN Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) stresses the obligation of both Israel and Syria to fully respect the terms of the 1974 ceasefire, and calls on them to exercise maximum restraint and prevent any breaches of the ceasefire and the area of separation.
Since its establishment in 1974, UNDOF has played an important role in maintaining overall stability on the ground, Sun Lei, China's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations, said at the Security Council meeting, adding that under the current circumstances, it is particularly important to ensure continuity in the work of UNDOF and maintain stability in the Golan Heights.
"Syria's sovereignty, independence, unity, and territorial integrity should be fully respected. This is a principle that must be upheld in addressing the Syrian issue. The Golan Heights are internationally recognized as occupied Syrian territory. As early as 1981, the Security Council adopted Resolution 497, in which it concluded on the legal status of the Syrian Golan Heights, explicitly declaring the occupation of the Syrian Golan Heights as null and void. The relevant Security Council resolutions must be implemented," Sun said.
UNDOF was established in May 1974 following the agreed disengagement of Israeli and Syrian forces in the Golan Heights, tasked with maintaining a ceasefire between Israel and Syria.
UN Security Council extends mandate of peacekeeping force in Golan Heights
