The Arab-Israeli conflict is a complex issue that has its roots in the struggle over land and recognition between Palestinian Arabs and Zionist Jews. The conflict began in the late 19th century and escalated after World War I when the area that both groups claimed was known internationally as Palestine. The British promised to support the creation of a Jewish national home in Palestine, but many Arabs opposed this as a violation of their right to self-determination. Fighting began between the Arab and Jewish residents of Palestine days after the adoption of the UN partition plan in 1947. The Arab military forces were poorly organized, trained, and armed, while Zionist military forces were well organized, trained, and armed. The first Arab-Israeli war began in 1948 when Israel declared its independence, and the conflict ended with Israel gaining considerable territory. The conflict continued with other Arab-Israeli wars in 1956, 1967, 1973, and 1982. The causes of these wars were varied, including Israels desire to destroy the PLO and its bases in Lebanon, Egypts nationalization of the Suez Canal, and Israels preemptive attack on Egyptian and Syrian air forces. The conflict has resulted in significant gains and losses for both sides, with Israel gaining territorial control over the Sinai Peninsula, Gaza Strip, West Bank, East Jerusalem, and the Golan Heights. The conflict has also resulted in the displacement of many Palestinians, with Arabs who remained in Israel as citizens subject to official discrimination.