10 years ago: Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and Palestinian Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas declare a cease-fire

'Peace, peace,' they say,
when there is no peace. Jeremiah 6:14b (NIV)

On February 8, 2005, Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and Palestinian Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas, meeting in the Egyptian resort of Sharm al-Sheikh, declared a truce to end four years of violence. Mr. Abbas said that the cease-fire, which began immediately, would lead to a "new era of peace and hope;" Mr. Sharon vowed to cease military action against Palestinian targets after terrorist groups halted violence. The talks between the two Middle Eastern leaders included agreements on the release of Palestinian prisoners and the handover of five West Bank towns to Palestinian control. U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said the agreement was the best chance for peace in years.

Messrs. Sharon and Abbas didn't sign a formal cease-fire agreement, which is just as well, since the "new era of peace and hope" didn't last, and there won't be permanent peace until the return of the Prince of Peace, the Lord Jesus Christ:

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this. Isaiah 9:6-7