The key facts

  • Quneitra Governor Ghassan al-Sayed Ahmad called on UNDOF to document Israeli violations — meeting with UN Deputy Secretary-General Jean-Pierre Lacroix
  • UN report of September 23: as of August 12, Israeli forces were at 11 positions on the Syrian side of the area of separation
  • UNDOF's mandate extended until December 31, 2026; Damascus demands the withdrawal of Israeli troops and compliance with the 1974 agreement

Call to UN peacekeepers

The governor of the southern Syrian province of Quneitra, Ghassan al-Sayed Ahmad, on Saturday called on the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) to monitor and document Israeli violations in the region. This was reported by the provincial administration. The call came during Ahmad's meeting with UN Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix.

Topics of the meeting

The parties discussed the situation in the province, UNDOF's duties, and the impact of Israeli violations on local residents. According to the governor, documenting violations within UNDOF's mandate could help protect residents and mitigate the consequences for the population.

Context of the violations

The meeting took place against the backdrop of ongoing Israeli incursions into Quneitra, including raids, searches, detentions, and temporary military checkpoints. A UN report dated September 23 documented ongoing violations of the 1974 disengagement agreement, including the presence and activity of the Israeli army in the area of separation. According to the report, as of August 12, Israeli forces remained at 11 positions on the Syrian side of the area of separation.

Mandate and Damascus's position

UNDOF was established in 1974 to monitor the ceasefire and the disengagement of Syrian and Israeli forces. In June, the mandate was extended until December 31, 2026. Damascus demands that Israel withdraw its troops from Syrian territory and comply with the 1974 agreement and Syria's sovereignty.