History of Ceasefire in Timeline

A ceasefire is a binding agreement between warring parties, including state and non-state actors, to temporarily halt aggressive actions. Often mediated by a third party, it aims for a longer-lasting suspension of hostilities compared to truces or humanitarian pauses. According to the UN, ceasefires typically apply to the entire geographical area of conflict.

December 24, 1914: Unofficial Christmas Ceasefire on the Western Front

On December 24, 1914, during World War I, an unofficial ceasefire occurred on the Western Front as France, the United Kingdom, and Germany observed Christmas, with troops exchanging greetings and songs.

October 1947: Outbreak of Fighting in Kashmir

In October 1947, fighting broke out between India and Pakistan in Kashmir, leading to the Indo-Pakistani War.

1947: Indo-Pakistani War

In 1947, the Indo-Pakistani War led to the establishment of a ceasefire line in Kashmir.

December 1948: Ceasefire Agreement Reached

Towards the end of December 1948, a ceasefire agreement was reached between India and Pakistan, preceding the January 1949 formal end to the Indo-Pakistani War.

January 1949: UN-Mediated Ceasefire Ends Indo-Pakistani War

In January 1949, a UN-mediated ceasefire was agreed between India and Pakistan, ending the Indo-Pakistani War of 1947.

1949: Signing of the Karachi Agreement

In 1949, the Karachi Agreement was signed by military representatives of India and Pakistan under the supervision of the United Nations Commission for India and Pakistan, establishing a cease-fire line in Kashmir following the Indo-Pakistani War.

November 29, 1952: Eisenhower Visits Korea to Discuss Ceasefire

On November 29, 1952, US president-elect Dwight D. Eisenhower visited Korea to explore ways to end the Korean War.

July 27, 1953: Korean Armistice Agreement Signed

On July 27, 1953, the UN Command, the Korean People's Army (KPA), and the People's Volunteer Army (PVA) signed the Korean Armistice Agreement, establishing the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ).

1968: New Year's Day Truce Violated in Vietnam

In 1968, on New Year's Day, a 24-hour truce in Vietnam, urged by Pope Paul VI, was not adhered to by the Viet Cong and North Vietnam, who ambushed the 2nd Battalion, Republic of Vietnam Marine Division, and attacked a U.S. Army fire support base.

January 15, 1973: Nixon Orders Ceasefire of Aerial Bombings in North Vietnam

On January 15, 1973, US President Richard Nixon ordered a ceasefire of aerial bombings in North Vietnam after a draft peace proposal was brought from Paris by Henry Kissinger. Combat missions continued in South Vietnam.

January 27, 1973: Vietnam War Ceasefire Signed

On January 27, 1973, all parties of the Vietnam War signed a ceasefire as a prelude to the Paris Peace Accord.

1989: Estimated Number of Ceasefires

In 1989, it was estimated that there were at least 2202 ceasefires across 66 countries in 109 civil conflicts over the period 1989–2020.

1990: Ceasefire Data Analysis

In 1990, an analysis of ceasefire data for civil wars from 1990 to 2019 found that periods without violence after a ceasefire increased successively from cessations of hostilities, preliminary ceasefires, and definitive ceasefires.

March 3, 1991: Ceasefire Agreement Signed After Operation Desert Storm

On March 3, 1991, Iraq and the UN Security Council signed a ceasefire agreement after Iraq was driven out of Kuwait during Operation Desert Storm.

June 1993: Bombing of Iraq

In June 1993, Iraq was bombed in response to an alleged assassination attempt on former US President George H. W. Bush.

1996: Operation Desert Strike Bombing of Iraq

In 1996, the US bombed Iraq during Operation Desert Strike.

1998: Operation Desert Fox Bombing of Baghdad

In 1998, US President Bill Clinton ordered the bombing of Baghdad during Operation Desert Fox.

2003: US and UK Forces Invade Iraq

In 2003, US and UK forces invaded Iraq and toppled Saddam Hussein's regime from power, ending the state of war that remained in effect after the Gulf War.

February 8, 2005: Israeli-Palestinian Ceasefire Announced

On February 8, 2005, a ceasefire was announced between Israel and the Palestinian National Authority, with both sides committing to a full cessation of violence.

2018: India Declares Ceasefire in Kashmir Valley During Ramadan

In 2018, India declared a ceasefire in Kashmir Valley during Ramadan.

2019: Ceasefire Data Analysis

In 2019, an analysis of ceasefire data for civil wars from 1990 to 2019 found that periods without violence after a ceasefire increased successively from cessations of hostilities, preliminary ceasefires, and definitive ceasefires.

June 2020: UN Member States Support Global Ceasefire Appeal

In June 2020, specifically on the 24th and 25th, 170 and then 172 UN Member States and Observers signed a non-binding statement in support of the United Nations Secretary-General’s appeal for a global ceasefire.

July 2020: UN Security Council Demands Global Cessation of Hostilities

On July 1, 2020, the UN Security Council passed a resolution demanding a general and immediate global cessation of hostilities for at least 90 days.

2020: Estimated Number of Ceasefires

In 2020, it was estimated that there were at least 2202 ceasefires across 66 countries in 109 civil conflicts over the period 1989–2020.

May 2023: Trump Claims He Could End War in 24 Hours

In May 2023, Donald Trump told GB news that as US president he could end the war within 24 hours, given his good relationships with the leaders of Ukraine and Russia.

November 21, 2023: Qatar Negotiates Truce Between Israel and Hamas

On November 21, 2023, Qatar announced it had negotiated a truce between Israel and Hamas that would pause the Gaza war, allow for the release of hostages, and bring more aid to Palestinian civilians. 50 hostages were released while Israel released 150 Palestinian prisoners.