HOW PALESTINIANS WENT FROM WAR TO PEACE WITH ISRAEL

1948: The State of Israel is created. War with Arab neighbors follows.

1964: The Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) is established in Cairo to seek ''self-determination'' for Palestinians who either left or were expelled from territory carved out for the creation of Israel.

1967: Israel takes over the West Bank and Gaza Strip after the Six-Day War with Egypt, Syria, and Jordan.

1968: Yasser Arafat elected PLO Chairman.

1974: Arab summit declares PLO ''sole and legitimate'' representative of the Palestinian people. Arafat addresses the United Nations as head of state.

1975: UN resolution, citing treatment of Palestinians, equates Zionism with racism.

1978: In peace accords with Egypt, Israel recognizes the ''legitimate rights of the Palestinian people,'' but a proposed autonomy deal is not implemented.

1987: Palestinians in Israeli-occupied areas engage in militant street uprisings known as the intifadah.

1988: Arafat recognizes Israel's right to exist. US opens dialogue with PLO.

1991: Middle East peace talks open in Madrid. UN rescinds ''Zionism is racism'' resolution. Intifadah starts to run out of steam.

1993: Israel and PLO sign accord based on land-for-peace deal and the gradual extension of autonomy to Palestinians.

1994: Autonomy extended first to Gaza and Jericho. Arafat returns to Gaza and sets up the Palestinian Authority.

1995: Israel withdraws from seven cities and about 30 percent of the West Bank.

1996: The first Palestinian elections to be held Jan. 20 to choose a Council and president. Talks due on ''final status'' of Jerusalem, Palestinian refugees, Jewish settlers on the West Bank, and shape and sovereignty of Palestinian areas.

1999: Final talks due to end.