2000 May 15 On the 52nd anniversary of the nakba - the day that Israel was founded and in Arabic literally the day of catastrophe - the West Bank explodes in fury. Two die and 30 are wounded, as Palestinian and Israeli security forces exchange fire. The violence eclipses the news that Israel is to hand over to the Palestinians two strategically important villages on the eastern flank of Jerusalem. Although the handover offer is later withdrawn due to continuing violence, rightwing Israeli parties say the move marks the beginning of the end for Ehud Barak's coalition government.