what does ceasefire mean

A ceasefire (also called a truce) is an agreement between warring parties to stop fighting, usually for a limited time. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ceasefire)) It can be formal (part of a treaty) or informal, may be mediated by a third party or imposed by international bodies, and is often used to allow humanitarian aid, evacuations, or negotiations. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ceasefire)) A ceasefire is distinct from an armistice: an armistice is typically a formal end to a war, whereas a ceasefire may be temporary or limited in scope or geography. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ceasefire)) Ceasefires can be local or comprehensive, and their durability depends on measures such as monitoring, withdrawal of forces, demilitarized areas, or peacekeeping—without such safeguards, parties might exploit a ceasefire to regroup or rearm. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ceasefire))