Fighting began between Israeli and Egyptian forces in the Suez Canal and Sinai areas, and in the Golan Heights Israeli forces clashed with elements of the Syrian army.

In an attempt to defuse the rapidly worsening situation in the Suez area, on October 24th the UN established the second United Nations Emergency Force (UNEF II). This was positioned between Israeli and Egyptian armies, successfully stabilising the situation. However, in the Golan Heights the situation continued to deteriorate.

The creation of UNDOF

On 31 May 1974 an agreement was signed by Israel and Syria which set up an area of separation, with equal zones of limited forces on each side. This agreement also called for the setting up of a United Nations observation force. As a result UNDOF was established. Its mandate included supervising the disengagement of Israeli and Syrian forces after the Arab-Israeli War, and maintaining the cease-fire agreed by the two countries. The mandate also included supervising areas of separation and limitation. This mandate is now renewed every six months.

The initial composition of the UNDOF force was of personnel from Austria, Peru, Canada and Poland. Iran replaced Peru in 1975, then Finland in 1979. In 1995 the three core nations were joined by Japan. As of 31 January 2004 there are 1,037 troops from Austria, Canada, Japan, Poland and Slovakia, assisted by 78 military observers from UNTSO’s Observer Group Golan. There are also international civilian personnel and local civilian staff. Despite the effectiveness of UNDOF’s operations, and co-operation from both sides, there have been casualties, with 40 fatalities being reported up to January 2004.

UNDOF activities

The area of separation which UNDOF is responsible for is about 80 kilometres long and from 10 to only half a kilometre wide. UN positions within this area, which include Mt Hermon, reach 2,800 metres height. UNDOF forces are the only military presence operating. Activities include:

- Overall supervision of the area of separation

- Monitoring of Syrian and Israeli military presence in the area (using permanent observation positions and patrols, both on foot and motorised)

- intervention in cases of entry to the separation area by military personnel from either side, or attempted operations

- Fortnightly inspections of areas of limitation on each side to ensure agreed limits of equipment and Israeli and Syrian forces are being followed

- Assistance to the International Committee of the Red Cross in the passing of mail and people through the area, and in the provision of medical services

- Identifying and marking of minefields

- Promotion of minefield awareness amongst civilians ( the area is inhabited) and support of the United Nations Children’s Fund activities in this area

- Work to protect the environment and to minimalise the impact of the Force on the area.

Update on activity

In December 2003 the United Nations Security Council’s Secretary General reported that during the period June – December of that year the area of operation remained generally quiet. UNDOF continued to supervise the areas of separation and limitation, and maintained close contact with military authorities from Israel and the Syrian Arab Republic. As previously, both sides denied inspection teams access to some positions and imposed restrictions on movement of UNDOF forces. Personnel assisted in the crossing of 673 people, including 4 requiring medical care, and provided protection at seven weddings.

The threat from mines continued to be significant during this period, and was made worse by the age of the mines, which means explosives have begun to deteriorate. UNDOF continued its support of the UN Children’s Fund to promote awareness.