UN Resolution 181

Adopted on November 29, 1947, this plan proposed splitting the British-controlled territory into two states. The Jewish state was allocated about 55% of the land, while the Arab state received about 42%. Jerusalem and its immediate surroundings were designated as a distinct international zone.

Demographics and Land

At the time, the Jewish population made up roughly one-third of the total population (mostly composed of recent immigrants from Europe following the Holocaust) and owned about 7% of the land. The Arab population accounted for about two-thirds of the total population.

Reactions to the Plan

The Jewish leadership in Palestine generally accepted the partition plan. The Arab leadership and surrounding Arab countries rejected it, viewing the division as inherently unfair to the Arab majority.