**UN Says Israel Violating 50-Year-Old Ceasefire Accord**
The United Nations has said that Israeli construction along the demilitarized zone buffer with Syria has resulted in “severe” violations of a 50-year-old ceasefire accord. This could increase tensions along their shared border on the occupied Golan Heights.
**Satellite Photos Show Construction Work**
Satellite photos show that earth berms and trenches have been dug along the Area of Separation’s (AoS) length in the last few months. The BBC has filmed construction work taking place near Majdal Shams and new earthworks on rural land further south. Both locations are believed to be within Israeli-controlled territory.
**UN Observers Monitoring the Border**
The UN Disengagement Observer Force says that most Israeli construction does not breach the AoS. However, some trenches – dug under the protection of military vehicles, including tanks – do cross it. Israeli army vehicles and staff have also entered the buffer area. UN observers are on duty 24 hours a day to monitor the 80km strip of land.
**Israel Says Trenches for Defense**
According to the BBC, Chief of Mission Bernard Lee said that two main trenches, as well as three smaller ones, had been dug. He estimated that trenches had crossed into the AoS at a few locations, each by a few meters. Israel’s military spokesman said that the trenches were built to protect against infiltration from Iran-backed groups and did not violate the ceasefire agreement.
**Syria Protests Israeli Activities**
The Syrian authorities have strongly protested the ongoing Israeli activities. The UN has repeatedly expressed its concerns about Israeli violations with Israel’s military authorities. The situation is tense, with a fear of a surprise Israeli invasion increasing since the 7 October Hamas attack.
Read More @ www.bbc.com