Jean‑Pierre Lacroix, Under‑Secretary‑General for Peace Operations, said UN Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) continues to play a “critically important” role in liaising between Syrian and Israeli authorities and in deconflicting incidents along the area of separation.

Lacroix told reporters that the force is operating in “a changed environment,” noting political shifts inside Syria and the presence of the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) in parts of the area of separation. He said the presence of the IDF in those areas “is a violation. It’s, quite clear,” and that he has repeatedly raised the issue with Israeli interlocutors.

Lacroix said he met Syrian interim authorities and that they expressed support for UNDOF and indicated readiness to assume full security responsibility across Syrian territory, including in areas where UNDOF currently operates. He described this expression of readiness as “welcome,” while stressing that UNDOF’s goal is the restoration of the full implementation of the 1974 disengagement of forces agreement and enforcement of arrangements that allow only UNDOF to be present in the area of separation.

He said UNDOF also relays complaints from local Syrian populations to Israeli authorities when incidents affecting civilians are reported, and that the mission has expanded quick‑impact activities aimed at supporting civilians in the area of operation.

Why this matters: Lacroix framed UNDOF as indispensable for monitoring the 1974 disengagement agreement and for maintaining channels of communication between parties. He cautioned that the presence of other military forces in the area of separation undermines that framework and complicates UN monitoring.

Context and next steps: The Security Council will review UNDOF’s mandate in an upcoming meeting; Lacroix said UN headquarters expects continued engagement by Council members on the issue.