UN Envoy Renews Warning of Israeli Occupation Violations in the Syrian Golan Heights

Jean-Pierre Lacroix, the United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, renewed his warning that the Israeli military presence in the demilitarized zone in the Syrian Golan Heights constitutes a clear violation of the 1974 Disengagement Agreement.

This came during statements made by Lacroix to journalists at the United Nations headquarters in New York, where he pointed out the clear support of the Syrian government for the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF), affirming its readiness to assume full security responsibility in all Syrian territories, including the areas where the mission operates, in accordance with international law and the agreement.

Lacroix added: "UNDOF forces are working at full capacity to ensure the achievement of disengagement objectives in the demilitarized zone, and continue to play their vital role there," explaining that only United Nations forces are allowed to have a military presence in that area according to the agreement.

He also noted that continuous communication with the Syrian authorities has enabled the mission to resume its operations and expand its scope, enhancing stability in the region.