The UN Security Council on Friday called for an immediate end to all activities that endanger peacekeepers in the Golan Heights and impede them in the implementation of their duties.

In a presidential statement issued here, Security Council members voiced concerns about deteriorating security situation the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) faces due to the ongoing Syrian conflict and activities of several non-state armed actors, including Al-Nusra Front, a terrorist group listed by the Al-Qaida Sanctions Committee.

"The Security Council condemns recent hostile acts against UN peacekeepers in UNDOF's area of operation by UNSC-designated terrorist groups and non-state armed actors and stresses that there can never be any justification for these attacks on and detention of UN peacekeepers," the statement said.

The 15-nation body urged member states with influence to convey strongly to non-state armed actors in this area the need to "halt immediately all activities that endanger UN peacekeepers on the ground and impede them in the implementation of their duties as mandated by the Security Council."

The statement came after Security Council consultations on the UNDOF earlier this week. Threat to the mission has taken on a new dimension with the recent detention of 45 Fijian peacekeepers as well as a siege of Filipino peacekeepers in the Golan Heights.

In response to the incidents, between Aug. 28 and Sept. 3, the most powerful body of the UN released three press statements, condemning the risks armed elements have posed to the blue helmets.

In Friday's statement, the Security Council reaffirmed its unconditional support for the UNDOF and the importance of maintaining the UNDOF as a vital contributor to peace and security in the Middle East.

"The Security Council reiterates that UNDOF's mandate, impartiality, operations, safety, and security must be respected," it said. "The Security Council calls upon all parties to allow UNDOF to operate freely and to ensure full security of its personnel and full implementation of the 1974 agreement."

Peacekeepers serving with the UNDOF monitor the 1974 disengagement accord between Syria and Israel after their 1973 war. In June, the Security Council extended the mission's mandate until Dec. 31, 2014.

As of July 31, 2014, there are 1,223 peacekeepers from six countries -- Fiji, India, Ireland, Nepal, Netherlands, and the Philippines -- serving in UNDOF. Endite

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