Mainstream Jewish fighters under David Ben Gurion are called Hagana. They later become the Israeli army. Many British soldiers and Arab civilians are killed. Britain decides it cannot bring peace to Palestine and turns the matter over to the United Nations. In Resolution 181 the UN votes to partition Palestine into Jewish and Palestinian states with an international enclave around Jerusalem and Bethlehem.
Arab leaders reject the plan and insist on a united Palestine with a secular government.
Fighting begins between Jews and Palestinians. Many Palestinians become refugees. April-May 1948 Massacres of Palestinians by Zionist groups Haganah and Irgun throughout Palestine. 1948-50 Britain withdraws from Palestine. The state of Israel is established resulting in the 1948 War on May 14 th between Israel and the Arab countries.