Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
The United Nations Security Council unanimously adopted Resolution 2824 (2026), renewing the mandate of the UN Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) for six months, extending it until 31 December 2026. UNDOF, established after the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement between Israel and Syria following the Yom Kippur War, is one of the UN’s longest-standing peacekeeping operations. The mission maintains the ceasefire and supervises the disengagement of Israeli and Syrian forces, as well as the areas of separation and limitation in the Golan Heights.
At the Council meeting, Syria’s Ambassador Ibrahim Olabi described Syria as one of the most stable countries in the region, emphasizing the country’s reconstruction efforts and strengthening diplomatic relations. He stated that Syria is cooperating with partners on issues such as chemical weapons, terrorism, and regional security. He also noted that Israel’s concerns about Syria relate to the potential disappearance of a regime accused of internal abuses and chemical weapons use.
Briefings to the Security Council highlighted fragile security conditions in southern Syria, ongoing economic challenges due to inflation, and political developments after the elections last year. Claudio Cordone, the UN Secretary-General’s Deputy Special Envoy for Syria, emphasized that Syria’s political transition is at a critical stage, marked by both opportunities and fragility. He stressed the need for the transitional parliament to debate and adopt new laws, review executive actions, and include diverse voices in the political process.