01 Dec 2023 Golan Heights
This article covers “Daily Current Affairs” and the topic details “ Golan Heights”. This topic has relevance in the Geography section of the UPSC CSE exam.
GS 1: Geography
Why in the news?
India has cast its vote in support of a United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) resolution expressing profound concern about Israel’s failure to withdraw from the Syrian Golan Heights.
Geography:
- Located in southwestern Syria, Golan Heights is a rocky plateau about 60km southwest of Damascus.
- Bounded by the Jordan River, the Sea of Galilee, Mount Hermon, Wadi Al-Ruqqād River, and the Yarmūk River.
- Boat-shaped, covering approximately 1,150 square kilometers with dimensions of 44 miles north to south and 27 miles east to west.
History:
- Seized by Israel during the 1967 Six-Day War from Syria.
- Majority of Syrian Arab inhabitants displaced during the conflict.
- Establishment of an armistice line and Israeli military control.
- Settlement activities initiated by Israel, leading to a contested demographic landscape.
- Unsuccessful Syrian attempt to reclaim the region in the 1973 Middle East conflict.
- 1974 armistice signed with the deployment of a UN observer force along the ceasefire line.
- Unilateral Israeli annexation in 1981 solidified geopolitical tensions.
Current Situation:
- Over 30 Israeli settlements in the Golan, considered illegal under international law.
- Population includes approximately 20,000 Syrians and 20,000 Israelis, fostering a complex social fabric.
- Ongoing tension between Israel and the international community regarding settlements.
Strategic Significance:
- Elevated vantage points provide a clear view of the Syrian capital, Damascus, enhancing military and surveillance capabilities.
- Golan serves as a watershed, contributing to the Jordan River’s water supply.
- One-third of Israel’s water supply is believed to come from the Golan.
- Fertile land in the region supports agriculture, adding to its strategic importance.
Download Yojna daily current affairs eng med 1st Dec 2023
Q.1 Regarding the Golan Heights recently seen in the news, consider the following statements:
- It lies on the Syria-Jordan border.
- It lies west of the Sea of Galilee.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
ANSWER: A
Q.2 In the context of evolving global dynamics, discuss the changing perspectives of India on the Israel-Palestine conflict
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