In May, 1948, immediately fol-
lowing Israel's declaration of 
statehood, six Arab states launched war against her. Jerusalem was besieged and attacked by the Arab Legion.  Israel suffered devastating loss of life in the bitter fighting which ensued, but prevailed.  A UN-sponsored truce signed on June 11, and a  cease-fire 
agreement signed on July 17, 
1948, left Jerusalem a divided 
city,  with the walled Old City 
and East Jerusalem under Jor-
danian control.