Israel and Lebanese-militant group Hezbollah have agreed to a US-backed ceasefire, marking a major breakthrough in the devastating conflict that has gripped the Middle East. For more than a year, near-daily rocket fire,

A ceasefire proposal agreed to by Lebanon and Israel stipulates that only "official military and security forces" in Lebanon are authorised to carry arms in the country, according to a copy of the deal dated on Tuesday and seen by Reuters on Wednesday.

In 2006, after a bruising monthlong war between Israel and Lebanon’s Hezbollah militant group, the United Nations Security Council unanimously voted for a resolution to end the conflict and pave the way for lasting security along the border.