A Ceasefire agreement regulates the cessation of military activity for a period of time in an area or within a conflict. It can be signed as a standalone agreement or alongside a substantive settlement negotiation process. Sometimes a term other than ceasefire is used to signal that the cessation of hostilities is purely humanitarian in nature (eg a ‘humanitarian pause’ in Aceh in 2000).
It includes detailed provisions on timing and scope (land, air or sea) of the cessation. It can also include instructions on how to carry out the ceasing of hostilities, and monitoring arrangements are often arranged to check compliance. The precise language in ceasefire agreements may reduce the scope for misunderstanding and dramatic’mistakes’ as troops demobilize, particularly where conflict positions mutate over time or with the introduction of new actors into the dispute.
Israeli officials have indicated that the US brokered deal is a “first stage.” It will last 6 weeks and, aid agencies including Islamic Relief hope, will see a big increase in access to Gaza communities that have suffered through decades of siege and military escalation. It will also enable families who have been displaced by the fighting to return home.
However, Israel has stated that it will negotiate the details of a second phase once the first is completed. It will be a much more ambitious process, requiring a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, the release of hostages and the beginning of the long and difficult rebuilding process in Palestinian communities.
About the Author
