Relief after Fijian peacekeepers released

Foreign Minister Julie Bishop is relieved 45 Fijian peacekeepers kidnapped by extremist rebels in Syria have been freed.

The Fijians were serving in the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF), which is monitoring a 1974 ceasefire between Israel and Syria at Golan Heights.

They were captured on August 28 by fighters from the Al-Nusra Front.

Australia had offered intelligence resources to help UN rescue efforts.

Ms Bishop welcomed the peacekeepers' unconditional release.

"I commend the courage and bravery of the peacekeepers and the strong support shown by their families and friends in Fiji during this difficult time," Ms Bishop said in a statement.