Middle East

In the first half of the year, increased tensions along the ceasefire "Blue Line" monitored by the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon coincided with a substantial escalation of the situation in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory. The second half of the year saw a decrease in hostile activities across the Line, though tensions remained high.

UN Photo

UN Peacekeeper and canine bomb scout in Lebanon

The UN Iraq-Kuwait Observer Mission continued to monitor the demilitarized zone separating the countries, to deter border violations and report any hostile action.

The UN Disengagement Observer Force continued to supervise implementation of the agreement between Israel and Syria in the Golan Heights. It also continued to assist the International Committee of the Red Cross with facilities for mail and the safe passage of persons through the area of separation, and to work with UNICEF in activities to promote awareness of the risks to civilians posed by landmines.

The continued violence and destruction consuming Israelis and Palestinians during the year led to intensified efforts by the Office of the UN Special Coordinator in the occupied Palestinian territories (UNSCO) in support of the peace process and for coordination of humanitarian assistance. UNSCO and the World Bank, together with the donor community, conducted a joint assessment of the damage caused by the continuing conflict to Palestinian economic and social infrastructure.