UN condemns Israel’s breach of 1974 Golan Heights agreement

Israeli army entered the Golan buffer zone, with visuals showing soldiers and armoured vehicles in place

GENEVA:

The UN special envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, stated on Tuesday that Israel’s recent occupation of the Golan Heights buffer zone breaches the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement signed between Israel and Syria. Responding to Anadolu’s inquiry about Israel's occupation and reports of additional incursions into Syrian territory, Pedersen confirmed during a press conference at the UN Geneva Office that the situation represents a violation of the agreement.

He reiterated that this stance aligns with the UN's position in New York and emphasised that the matter will be monitored closely in coordination with colleagues at UN headquarters.

The Israeli army reportedly entered the buffer zone in the Golan Heights over the weekend, following directives from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz. Netanyahu later described the occupation as "temporary."

Visuals released by the Israeli military depicted soldiers and armoured vehicles in the buffer zone. Israel has occupied the Golan Heights since 1967 after the Middle East war and formalised its annexation later — a move not recognised internationally.

The 1974 agreement had established the boundaries of the buffer zone and the demilitarised area between Israel and Syria.