40th anniversary of Six-Day War

June 5 marks the 40th anniversary of the start of the Middle East war, also known as the Six-Day War. The conflict broke out in 1967 and involved Israel and its neighbours – Egypt, Syria and Jordan.

Israel started the hostilities, launching a pre-emptive strike early on June 5, destroying the Egyptian Air Force. Then it repelled attacks from Jordan and attacked Syria.

After less than a week of fighting Israel controlled a territory four times larger than before, including East Jerusalem, Gaza, the Golan Heights and the Sinai Peninsula.

Despite international criticism, part of it is still under Israeli control.