Arab-Israeli War Begins

 

1947-48: Partitioning Palestine into two states, the Arab-Israeli War begins

In February 1947, the British proposed that the United Nations consider the future of Palestine and take over relations in the region amid ongoing tension.

The United Nations later adopted a resolution to split Palestine into two independent states -- a "Jewish State" and an "Arab State" with Jerusalem under UN trusteeship, despite opposition from Palestinian Arabs of the region.

Jerusalem, a city with religious significance to many groups, would remain under international control administered by the United Nations.

Palestinians refused to recognize the resolution, and violent conflict between both groups continued.

On May 15, 1948, Israel declared independence, thus beginning the Israeli-Arab War, with five Arab states fighting against the creation of the state.

Palestinians were forced off their lands or fled, marking the first large-scale exodus in what would become a decades-long battle over land ownership, according to the United Nations.

Israel, backed by foreign powers, won the war, and the territory was divided into three parts -- Israel, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip. Egypt and Jordan retained control of the West Bank and Gaza Strip respectively until 1967.

The Gaza Strip is a 140 square mile strip of land along the Mediterranean Sea surrounded by Israel and Egypt. It is currently home to roughly 2 million people.