The two sides agreed to open negotiations on a permanent ceasefire in January.

BBC: Colombia rebels in Christmas truce

Senior officials from Europe, United States, and the Middle East affirmed the need for a ceasefire, but said it should be lasting and permanent.

NPR: U.S. Pressures Syria Through Regional Friends

Outsiders, including the Americans, were long inclined to concur with Israeli doves in doubting Mr Sharon's desire or intention to reach the ceasefire and thus trigger the settlement freeze, let alone resume talks on a permanent agreement.

ECONOMIST: Israel and the Palestinians