History of Ceasefire in Timeline

A ceasefire represents a temporary suspension of hostilities in a conflict, achieved through mutual agreement between opposing sides. It signifies a cessation of aggressive actions, often facilitated by the intervention of a neutral third party acting as a mediator. Ceasefires can be established between nation-states or involve non-state actors engaged in armed conflict. While it halts fighting, a ceasefire doesn't necessarily indicate a resolution to the underlying issues that caused the conflict.

December 24, 1914: Unofficial Christmas Ceasefire on the Western Front during World War I

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 Between India and Pakistan in Kashmir

In October 1947, fighting broke out between India and Pakistan in Kashmir, leading to the Indo-Pakistani War. India intervened on behalf of the princely ruler of Kashmir, and Pakistan supported the rebels.

1947: Indo-Pakistani War of 1947

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

December 1948: Ceasefire Agreement Reached Between India and Pakistan

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

January 1949: UN-Mediated Ceasefire Between India and Pakistan

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: The Karachi Agreement of 1949

In 1949 the Karachi Agreement was signed by the 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: Eisenhower visits Korea to end the Korean War

On November 29, 1952, US president-elect Dwight D. Eisenhower visited Korea to assess how 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), although South Korean President Syngman Rhee did not sign the agreement.

1968: Failed New Year's Day Truce in Vietnam War

On New Year's Day, 1968, Pope Paul VI's call for a 24-hour truce in Vietnam War was not honored by the Viet Cong and North Vietnam, who launched attacks, resulting in casualties.

January 15, 1973: Nixon Orders 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 following Henry Kissinger's return from Paris with a draft peace proposal; combat missions continued in South Vietnam.

January 27, 1973: Vietnam War Parties Sign Ceasefire

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

1989: Ceasefires in Civil Conflicts

In 1989, as part of the period of 1989-2020, there were an estimated 2202 ceasefires across 66 countries involved in 109 civil conflicts.

March 3, 1991: Iraq and UN Sign Ceasefire Agreement

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

June 1993: Bombing of Iraq in June 1993

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

In 1996, the US conducted a bombing of Iraq during Operation Desert Strike.

1998: Operation Desert Fox

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, leading to the toppling of Saddam Hussein's regime from power.

February 8, 2005: Israel and Palestinian National Authority Announce Ceasefire

On February 8, 2005, Israel and the Palestinian National Authority announced a ceasefire, with both sides declaring a full cessation of violence against each other.

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 United Nations Secretary-General’s appeal for a global ceasefire. That number rose 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: Ceasefires in Civil Conflicts

In 2020, as part of the period of 1989-2020, there were an estimated 2202 ceasefires across 66 countries involved in 109 civil conflicts.

May 2023: Trump Claims He Could Broker Ukraine-Russia Ceasefire in 24 Hours

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

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.