History of Ceasefire in Timeline

A ceasefire is a temporary suspension of hostilities in a conflict, agreed upon by opposing sides. It halts aggressive actions, often facilitated through mediation by a third party. Ceasefires can occur between states or involve non-state actors, providing a pause in warfare. The duration and conditions of a ceasefire can vary greatly depending on the specific context and the goals of the parties involved.

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

On December 24, 1914, during World War I, an unofficial Christmas ceasefire occurred on the Western Front. Troops from France, the United Kingdom, and Germany participated, exchanging greetings and songs between trenches, starting when German soldiers lit Christmas trees.

October 1947: Outbreak of fighting between India and Pakistan in Kashmir

In October 1947, fighting broke out between India and Pakistan in Kashmir. India intervened on behalf of the princely ruler of Kashmir, who had joined India, and Pakistan supported the rebels.

1947: Indo-Pakistani War

The Indo-Pakistani War of 1947 led to the establishment of a cease-fire line in Kashmir, which would be formalized later in the Karachi Agreement of 1949.

December 1948: Ceasefire agreement reached between India and Pakistan

Towards the end of December 1948, a ceasefire agreement was reached between India and Pakistan, which came into effect in the New Year, after mediation by the United Nations Commission for India and Pakistan.

January 1949: UN-mediated ceasefire ends Indo-Pakistani War

On January 1, 1949, a UN-mediated ceasefire was agreed between India and Pakistan, ending the Indo-Pakistani War of 1947 (also called the 1947 Kashmir War).

1949: Karachi Agreement establishes cease-fire line in Kashmir

In 1949, the Karachi Agreement was signed by military representatives of India and Pakistan, supervised by the United Nations Commission for India and Pakistan, establishing a cease-fire line in Kashmir following the Indo-Pakistani War of 1947.

November 29, 1952: Dwight D. Eisenhower visits Korea to discuss ending the Korean War

On November 29, 1952, US President-elect Dwight D. Eisenhower traveled to 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). South Korean President Syngman Rhee did not sign the agreement.

1968: New Year's Day truce violated in Vietnam

On New Year's Day, 1968, Pope Paul VI arranged a 24-hour truce in South Vietnam and the United States. However, the Viet Cong and North Vietnam broke the truce, attacking the 2nd Battalion, Republic of Vietnam Marine Division, and a U.S. Army fire support base.

January 15, 1973: US President Nixon orders a ceasefire of aerial bombings in North Vietnam

On January 15, 1973, US President Richard Nixon ordered a ceasefire of the aerial bombings in North Vietnam after Henry Kissinger returned from Paris with a draft peace proposal; combat missions continued in South Vietnam.

January 27, 1973: Ceasefire signed by all parties of the Vietnam War

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

1989: Estimated ceasefires across multiple countries

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

March 3, 1991: Ceasefire agreement signed between Iraq and the UN Security Council

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 response to assassination attempt of George H. W. Bush

In June 1993, Iraq was bombed in response to an alleged assassination attempt of former US President George H. W. Bush by Iraqi agents while on a visit to Kuwait.

1996: Operation Desert Strike: Bombing of Iraq by the US

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

1998: Operation Desert Fox: Bombing of Baghdad by the US

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

2003: US and UK forces invade Iraq

In 2003, US and UK forces invaded Iraq, toppling Saddam Hussein's regime from power, ending the Gulf War.

February 8, 2005: Ceasefire announced between Israel and the Palestinian National Authority

On February 8, 2005, a ceasefire was announced between Israel and the Palestinian National Authority, with both sides pledging 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.

June 2020: UN Member States support global ceasefire appeal

On June 24, 2020, 170 UN Member States and Observers signed a non-binding statement in support of the appeal for a global ceasefire as part of the United Nations' response to the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, rising to 172 on June 25, 2020.

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 ceasefires across multiple countries

By 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: Donald Trump claims he could end the Ukraine-Russia war in 24 hours

In May 2023, Donald Trump stated that as US president, he could end the war between Ukraine and Russia within 24 hours, claiming he had good relationships with both leaders and could easily conclude a ceasefire agreement.

November 21, 2023: Qatar negotiates truce between Israel and Hamas

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