In November 1947, the UN, whose ranks were dominated by Western nations, many of whom were still involved in colonial projects, developed a plan to partition Palestine into three areas: one Jewish state, one Palestinian state, and an international zone under UN supervision that included Jerusalem. The plan was controversial. While the Jewish settlers constituted approximately one-third of the population, the UN plan granted them some 55 percent of the land.

Green, Todd H, The Fear of Islam_ An Intro…, loc. 187