A ceasefire is a temporary or permanent agreement between conflicting parties to halt hostilities. It can be formalized through treaties or occur informally, often facilitated by third-party mediators.

How does a ceasefire differ from an armistice?

While both involve halting hostilities, a ceasefire is typically a temporary suspension of fighting, whereas an armistice is a formal agreement to end a war.

What are the purposes of a ceasefire?

Ceasefires aim to reduce violence, provide humanitarian relief, build trust among parties, and create a conducive environment for peace negotiations.

Can ceasefires be violated?

Yes, ceasefires can be violated if parties resume hostilities. Violations can undermine trust and complicate peace efforts.

Who can broker a ceasefire?

Ceasefires can be brokered by various entities, including international organizations like the UN, individual countries, or neutral parties acting as mediators.

Ceasefire Meaning: Definition, Political Impact, and 10 Historic Global Ceasefire Events

NSFTUBE GUEST
May 13
4 min read

Updated: Jun 25

World peace negotiation scene with delegates shaking hands during an international ceasefire agreement; symbolic flags and treaty documents visible on table. — Diplomats formalizing a global ceasefire agreement—symbolizing peace, negotiation, and conflict resolution.

Ceasefire Meaning, Definition, 1 minute summary

What does a ceasefire really mean, and why does it matter? This guide breaks down the dictionary, political, and global definitions of ceasefire, while highlighting 10 of the most impactful global ceasefire events in modern history—from the Korean War to conflicts in Myanmar. Understand its humanitarian, diplomatic, and military role in today’s world.

Dictionary Meaning of Ceasefire

At its core, a ceasefire is a temporary or permanent halt in hostilities between warring factions. It often results from mutual agreements and may pave the way for peace negotiations or humanitarian relief. The word can apply to anything from a local truce to a formal, internationally mediated peace deal.

World Meaning of Ceasefire

Globally, ceasefires are vital tools in modern diplomacy. They allow:

Humanitarian aid delivery
Dialogue between opposing sides
Time for peace frameworks to be built

Such pauses in violence can shift the momentum of wars, or, tragically, become moments of strategic repositioning before fresh attacks.

Political Meaning of Ceasefire

Politically, a ceasefire can:

Act as a confidence-building measure
Be used to stall or regroup militarily
Set the stage for formal negotiations

However, not all ceasefires guarantee peace. Many are broken due to mistrust, shifting power dynamics, or lack of enforcement mechanisms.

Latest Global Ceasefire Updates (2025)

Here are some of the most significant ceasefire developments from 2025:

1. Israel–Iran Ceasefire (June 2025)

After nearly two weeks of airstrikes and escalating conflict, a ceasefire between Israel and Iran was declared in June 2025. Mediated by the United States and Qatar, the agreement aimed to halt further attacks and reopen Iranian airspace for commercial flights.Source: Reuters, The Hindu

2. India–Pakistan Ceasefire (May 2025)

Amid rising tensions in Kashmir, India and Pakistan agreed to a fresh ceasefire in May 2025. This truce was facilitated by U.S. diplomatic channels, with both sides pledging to avoid future escalations and open communication hotlines.Source: The Times (UK), Reuters

3. U.S.–Houthi Ceasefire (May 2025)

In May 2025, the United States and Yemen’s Houthi rebels reached a ceasefire following months of maritime attacks in the Red Sea region. Oman played a key mediating role in the talks.Source: Wikipedia, The Guardian

4. Democratic Republic of Congo–M23 Truce (April 2025)

The Congolese government and M23 rebel forces agreed to halt hostilities in the eastern region after Qatar-led negotiations. The deal also included a joint commitment against hate speech and violence.Source: The Guardian

5. Russia–Ukraine Black Sea Ceasefire (March 2025)

Extending earlier agreements, Russia and Ukraine agreed to a Black Sea ceasefire, allowing for the safe passage of commercial vessels and reducing naval tensions in the region.

Source: The Washington Post

10 Most Notable Ceasefire Events in Modern History

1. Korean War (1953)

An armistice halted hostilities, creating the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ)—but not a formal peace treaty. The war technically remains unresolved.

2. Vietnam War (1973)

The Paris Peace Accords enabled a ceasefire that ended direct U.S. involvement. Saigon fell two years later, in 1975.

3. Bosnian War (1995)

Multiple ceasefires failed until the Dayton Accords finally brought peace, after years of ethnic violence and genocide.

4. Sri Lankan Civil War (2002)

A Norway-brokered ceasefire between the Tamil Tigers and the Sri Lankan government temporarily reduced violence but collapsed in 2006.

5. Israeli-Palestinian Conflicts

Frequent ceasefires, including the fragile one after the 2014 Gaza War, show how volatile and temporary these truces can be.

6. Yemen Civil War (2016)

The UN-brokered ceasefire marked a key turning point—though numerous violations followed, and fighting continues.

7. Colombian Conflict (2016)

A historic deal between the Colombian government and FARC ended over 50 years of civil conflict, backed by global support.

8. Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict (2020)

Russia-brokered ceasefire ended fierce fighting between Armenia and Azerbaijan, with peacekeepers still stationed today.

9. Syrian Civil War (2020)

A significant ceasefire between Turkey and Russia helped stabilize parts of Idlib, though skirmishes continue.

10. Myanmar (2021)

Post-coup ceasefire attempts with ethnic rebel groups have repeatedly failed, highlighting deep-rooted mistrust.

Why Ceasefires Matter Today

Humanitarian Impact

Ceasefires allow urgent aid like food and medicine to reach conflict zones, saving lives.

Peace Talks Catalyst

They open diplomatic doors, allowing talks without bullets.

Escalation Prevention

They help cool conflicts before they spiral into regional wars or international crises.

Psychological Relief

For civilians, even a brief pause brings hope, sleep, and safety—even if temporary.

Challenges with Ceasefires

No Enforcement: Often there’s no global authority to monitor or enforce compliance.
Mutual Distrust: One violation can derail months of negotiation.
Hidden Agendas: Some use ceasefires tactically, not diplomatically.

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