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Israel's War of Independence
The British officially withdraw from Palestine, and the Jewish National Council proclaims the State of Israel. Neighboring Arab nations, which rejected the partition of Palestine, immediately invade, intent on crushing the newly declared State of Israel. -
Palestinian defeat and exodus (Nakba, or disaster)
None of the countries sign formal peace treaties with Israel. Israel increases its original territory by 50%, taking western Galilee, a broad corridor through central Palestine to Jerusalem, and part of modern Jerusalem. -
Total Control
Egypt takes control of Suez Canal. -
PLO
The Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) is formed. -
Land for Peace
The UN Security Council adopts Resolution 242, the "land for peace" formula, which has been the starting point for further negotiations.
