United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) Report: September - November 2019.pdf

Key Findings:

- Ceasefire Maintenance: The ceasefire between Israel and the Syrian Arab Republic held, despite several violations of the 1974 Agreement on Disengagement between Israeli and Syrian Forces.
- Military Activity: There were military activities in the area of separation, including firing into the area and across the ceasefire line, in violation of relevant Security Council resolutions, notably resolution 2477 (2019).
- Rocket Firing Incidents: On November 19, UNDOF personnel observed two unidentified objects fired from Syria towards Israel. Israel Defense Forces (IDF) claimed to have intercepted rockets, while Syria denied any firing. Similar incidents were reported on September 9.
- Israel's Operations: IDF continued laying razor concertina wire and installing blast walls along the ceasefire line on the Israeli-occupied Golan (Alpha side). These activities were protested by Syrian authorities but found to be within the Alpha side by UNTSO observers.
- Syrian Military Presence: Sporadic heavy explosions and gunfire persisted in the areas of separation and limitation on the Bravo side, attributed to controlled detonations of unexploded ordnance by Syrian armed forces. Continuous Syrian military presence was observed at several checkpoints.
- Unidentified Crossings: Daily crossings of the ceasefire line by unidentified individuals from the Bravo side were noted, primarily shepherds and farmers tending livestock. IDF expressed security concerns about these crossings.
- Violations on Alpha Side: Unauthorized military equipment, including Iron Dome systems and multiple rocket launcher systems, was observed within 10 km of the ceasefire line on the Alpha side.
- Internal Displacement: No internally displaced persons or tents were observed in the area of separation during the reporting period.
- Return of Detainee: UNDOF facilitated the return of a 15-year-old boy to the Bravo side through the Qunaytirah crossing, at the request of IDF and with Syrian authorities' agreement.
- Gradual Return to Full Operations: UNDOF made progress in maintaining visibility of the area of separation and gradually returning to vacated positions, enhancing patrols in its area of operations.