A ceasefire is a temporary stoppage of a war, or any armed conflict, where each side of the conflict agrees with the other to suspend aggressive actions.

Ceasefires may be declared as part of a formal treaty, but they have also been called as part of an informal understanding between opposing forces. For example, on December 25, 1914, during World War I, there was an unofficial ceasefire as both the Germans and the British sought to observe Christmas (the "Christmas Truce"). There was no treaty signed, and after a few days the war resumed.[ 1 ]

A more recent example of a ceasefire was announced between Israel and the Palestinian Authority on February 8, 2005. When announced, the chief Palestinian negotiator (Saeb Erakat) defined the ceasefire as follows: "We have agreed that today President Abbas will declare a full cessation of violence against Israelis anywhere and Prime Minister Sharon will declare a full cessation of violence and military activities against Palestinians anywhere."[ 2 ]

See also Armistice.

References

1. World War I Christmas Truce by Thousands of German Soldiers
2. Sharon and Abbas set to declare ceasefire at Mideast summit, AFP News Wire, 2/8/05