A Ceasefire agreement regulates the cessation of hostilities between adversaries in a conflict. Such agreements are often negotiated during the pre-negotiation phase of a peace process. They can be a prelude to, or even alongside, a more substantive settlement agreement aimed at addressing the root causes of the conflict.
The terms of a ceasefire agreement vary significantly depending on the context, but the most important aspect is to ensure that it is clear from the outset that it is a cessation of hostilities. The agreement should include specific provisions about when the ceasefire will begin and end, what is permissible and not in violation of the agreement (including the definition of prohibited acts) and what is to happen if there is a breach. These provisions should also include specific mechanisms for enforcement, including an agreed set of responsibilities for third parties.
A Ceasefire agreement is typically accompanied by ad-hoc provisions dealing with matters that are unique to the conflict such as: return of displaced people, repatriation of prisoners of war; compensation for damage; prosecution of war criminals; and national reconciliation and dialogue.
Despite the many challenges, this new ceasefire agreement represents significant progress compared to what was on the table in May of 2024. It will be interesting to see if this can spur momentum toward a more lasting peace. It will depend, in particular, on whether the Trump administration can press Israel’s hard-right government to agree to a path toward Palestinian statehood.